Jalen Johnson Out, Hawks Seek Next Man Up in Memphis

Atlanta just beat the Cavaliers at home. Now it’s time to hit the road and take on the Memphis Grizzlies. The Hawks are flying high off of momentum after that W, but hopefully Atlanta don’t get too comfortable. Memphis have the ninth-best scoring defense (112.5 ppg), but they have the worst scoring offense (106.2 ppg).

Atlanta has played great defense lately. Over the last two games, they only gave up an average of 100 points while forcing over 13 turnovers per game. Keep that intensity up and they will disrupt Memphis’ flow.

Offensively, the team been clicking. De’Andre Hunter has scored 10+ points in 12 straight games now. Feed him the ball and let him cook. With Jalen Johnson out, other guys will need to step up. This is a great opportunity for someone like Bruno Fernando to make a bigger impact. But they must stay focus, play together, and get this road win.

Hunter and Others will need to Step Up in Johnson’s Absence

With Jalen Johnson sidelined against Memphis, the Hawks will look to DeAndre Hunter and others to fill the void. Over the last 12 games, Hunter has been on a tear, averaging over 18 points a game off the bench.

Hunter’s stellar play of late has been instrumental in the Hawks’ success. His ability to get buckets in a variety of ways has taken pressure off Atlanta’s other scorers. Whether spotting up from three, slashing to the basket, or hitting mid-range jumpers, Hunter has showcased his diverse skill set. His scoring, combined with solid defense and rebounding, has allowed him to make a major impact despite coming off the bench.

In addition to Hunter, Atlanta’s big men have started to emerge recently. Bruno Fernando has upped his production over the last three games, averaging 7 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks in just 22 minutes per game. At 6-foot-10, Fernando provides valuable size, athleticism, and energy off the bench. His ability to protect the rim and clean the glass could be key against a Memphis team with considerable size up front.

Veteran shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic is enjoying his best NBA campaign yet, averaging 16.6 points per game—over two points higher than his previous best. He is also playing well and nearing a career milestone. Bogdanovic enters Friday’s game just two points shy of 1,000 for the season, which would be the first time he’s reached that mark in his career. He’s having his most productive NBA season, averaging 16.6 points, 3.9 assists and 1.25 steals per game. His ability to create offense and make big shots will be important if the Hawks are shorthanded against the Grizzlies.

When Johnson went down in the third quarter during the Cleveland match up on Mar 6. Bogdanovic stepped up in a big way. He scored 11 of his 15 points in the final frame to help Atlanta pull away for the win. That type of performance in crunch time is exactly why the Hawks coveted Bogdanovic in free agency and signed him to a four-year deal. Even on a roster loaded with offensive talent, his ability to take over a game and demoralize opponents from distance is unmatched.

With Johnson out, the Hawks will rely on their depth and several players stepping up to fill the void. If Hunter, Fernando, Bogi, Murray can continue their strong recent play, Atlanta has a chance to get a key road win in Memphis. But slowing the Grizzlies, winners of four straight, will be no easy task.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Bogdanovic should eclipse 1,000 points against the Grizzlies. Whenever he reaches that milestone, it will be a testament to the work he’s put in and his importance to this Hawks team.

We’ve come this far, and will stick with the home team ’til the end. The Hawks are pushing through, being without Kobe Bufkin (left big toe sprain), Jalen Johnson (right ankle sprain), Onyeka Okongwu (left big toe sprain/sesamoiditis) and Trae Young (left fifth finger torn ligament).

The Hawks have fought adversity all season. Now their depth gets tested on the road in Memphis. Win or lose, the Hawks battle on. As the regular season starts closing in, the Hawks must take care of business. Will they rise up Friday night in Memphis? We’ll see soon enough. Let’s Go Hawks!