The Hawks may have a favorable setup on Monday night, but the biggest question hanging over their matchup with the Pacers is simple: will Jalen Johnson be out there?
Johnson is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain for Atlanta’s trip to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. That status matters even more because the Hawks are already missing pieces. Rookie point guard Kingston Flemings is serving a one-game suspension after intentionally elbowing Bryce McGowens in the head during Saturday’s 121-99 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, and center Jock Landale is out with a left hip strain.
Atlanta is hoping Johnson can give it a lift. The 24-year-old forward has been uneven through seven games, shooting 42.1 percent from the field and 25.8 percent from 3-point range, even while posting nine rebounds and eight assists per game. For a team that needs him to be the “top guy,” that kind of production has to come with more consistency.
The No. 20 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft is coming off a strong 2026 season, when he earned All-NBA Third-Team honors, but the Hawks need more than flashes now. With Atlanta sitting at 3-4, Johnson’s availability and effectiveness loom large.
The Pacers, meanwhile, are 2-5 and dealing with their own injury issues. Tyrese Haliburton remains out with a hamstring injury, and trusted big man Ivica Zubac is also sidelined with an ankle sprain. That opens a door for Atlanta to respond on the road - if Johnson can get through his ankle issue and suit up.
For now, he’s trying to get himself ready for the 7:30 pm (ET) tipoff.
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Zubac has been limited in games for Indiana this year because of a left ankle injury, leaving the Pacers without the kind of return they hoped would soften the blow. Add in the injury to All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, and the combination has only sharpened the scrutiny on a move that is now being judged alongside the team's current struggles. [Read more 🡒]
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Randle still finished the game with 20 points, five rebounds and six assists, which only added to the attention around the moment. He also had his next matchup on his mind afterward, looking ahead to a game against his former team, the New York Knicks, while the Pacers were left dealing with the kind of viral scene that can linger well beyond the final buzzer. [Read more 🡒]
Pacers Home Win Push Gets One Big Opening Against Atlanta
After taking a hit in their last outing, the Pacers are heading into their next matchup with Atlanta at a time when both teams are trying to steady themselves. The Hawks are dealing with their own injury uncertainty, and rookie Kingston Flemings will also miss the game after being suspended for one contest because of an on-court incident.
Indianas availability report has its own concerns, with Obi Toppin sidelined by a back issue and no fresh word yet on Ivica Zubacs status. With both sides coming in short-handed and looking to bounce back, the opening for a home win is there, even if the full picture on who will actually be available is still taking shape. [Read more 🡒]