Jalen Johnson Ruled Out for Rest of Game in Wizards Vs Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks ruled forward Jalen Johnson out for the remainder of Tuesday’s matchup, a development that alters the team's frontcourt rotation and could have implications for the upcoming Wizards rematch. The injury — a left hip flexor — halted Johnson’s night in the first quarter of what was billed as a wizards vs hawks contest.
Wizards Vs Hawks: Johnson Exits with Left Hip Flexor
Johnson left during the first quarter after experiencing what was described as a left hip flexor issue and was initially listed as questionable to return. The team later confirmed he will not return for the rest of tonight’s game, formalizing the decision as the contest progressed.
Hawks PR Confirms: Jalen Johnson (left hip flexor) Will Not Return
The Hawks issued a short public statement noting that Jalen Johnson (left hip flexor) will not return to tonight’s game. That official action came after the early exit and changed the team’s immediate availability at the forward spot.
Rotation Impact: Jonathan Kuminga and Mouhamed Gueye to See More Minutes
With Johnson sidelined, the Hawks plan to give increased minutes at the forward positions to Jonathan Kuminga and Mouhamed Gueye. The club’s in-game adjustments are intended to cover Johnson’s absence while the coaching staff monitors the injury’s severity.
Recent Form and Context Against Washington
Atlanta entered the matchup seeking its second straight victory and third in its last four games since returning from the All-Star Break. The Hawks have won three of their last four meetings with Washington, including a 131-116 victory on 12/6 when Jalen Johnson produced a 30-point, 12-rebound, 12-assist triple-double. In that same 12/6 game, Onyeka Okongwu recorded 21 points, nine rebounds (five offensive), six assists, two steals and three blocks.
Across recent meetings with Washington, Johnson has been a consistent performer: he has posted three double-doubles and one triple-double in four of his last five games against the Wizards, averaging 21. 0 points, 12. 2 assists, 7. 4 assists, 1. 4 steals and 1. 4 blocks over that span.
Tournament Momentum: Final Minutes Against Brooklyn and Timeline Notes
The Hawks came into Tuesday’s game on the back of a 115-104 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, 2/22. Atlanta closed that game with a dominant final eight minutes, outscoring Brooklyn 24-2. Per Elias Sports, that was the first time since at least the 1997-98 play-by-play era that the franchise held an opponent to two-or-fewer points in the final eight minutes of regulation; it was also the first team to do so in the NBA this season.
In those closing eight minutes against Brooklyn, 2026 NBA All-Star Jalen Johnson tallied 12 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Dyson Daniels recorded three steals in the final 5: 37 of regulation. Those late-game contributions are the immediate contrast to the precaution that removed Johnson from Tuesday’s contest.
Schedule Reminder: Hawks Host Wizards Again on Thursday, Then Portland
Atlanta's slate calls for a quick turnaround: the Hawks host the Wizards again on Thursday, and their next game after that is a home contest against Portland. The timing matters because the club will track Johnson’s recovery against a compact stretch that includes a direct rematch with Washington in two days.
The Hawks characterized the injury as something they hope is temporary, but the club also signaled it will monitor Johnson’s status going forward. For tonight, the immediate cause — a left hip flexor suffered in the first quarter — produced the clear effect of removing a primary frontcourt option and redistributing minutes to Kuminga and Gueye.
Broadly, the Hawks will manage rotations for the remainder of this wizards vs hawks meeting and evaluate Johnson ahead of the rematch on Thursday.
