Jalen Johnson's ceiling & 2 other X-factors as Hawks seek revenge on Wizards

Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder did not mince words about Jalen Johnson’s career-high 29-point effort in the loss to the Washington Wizards. The fourth-year forward also had 12 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal, showcasing his all-around skill set. 

Hawks must overcome injuries vs Wizards

“He was terrific tonight,” Snyder told reporters after the game on October 28. “When he's attacking the rim, and he's making plays for other people, his offense has a way of coming to him and making quick decisions. And he was great tonight. He found a real rhythm, and that's the way that we need him to play.”

Snyder’s words have proven prescient.

The Hawks are beat up, and Johnson and Trae Young must carry an even larger burden. They will be without Bogdan Bogdanovic for four weeks at minimum with a hamstring injury. 

Second-year man and Young backup Kobe Bufkin is on a similar projected timeline with a shoulder issue. Key reserve Vit Krejci is out for at least two weeks with an adductor injury. And starting shooting guard Dyson Daniels is out at least one game with a hip ailment.

It would help if De'Andre Hunter and Onyeka Okongwu can return and play well on Wednesday.

After the first meeting with the Wizards, Johnson has to take his game to an even higher level for his injury-depleted team.

Jalen Johnson must elevate his game even further

Young finished with 14 points, 13 assists, 8 rebounds, 1 blocksteal1 steal versus the Wizards. He also cut his turnovers from a season-high 10 in the Hawks’ loss to the Charlotte Hornets to 6 versus Washington.

However, the three-time All-Star shot 2-for-15 from the floor (2-for-10 3P). 

He was blanked when guarded by Bilal Coulibaly, who he figures to see plenty of in the rematch after it was so successful. 

Johnson was the better option on the night, but consistency with his efficiency has been one potential early bugaboo. This is a great chance to show it.

He will likely draw additional attention right away from Washington, who will be without one of the heroes from the first meeting in Kyle Kuzma due to a groin strain. That could (hopefully) make things a little easier for Young.

Trae Young must get into the paint

Young can help himself by getting into the paint more to maximize his effectiveness. 

It would also help the Hawks if rookie No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher could start knocking down shots. But the Hawks’ task is undoubtedly tough even if he does. They are incredibly shorthanded as they enter a trying stretch of the schedule.

The Hawks will play their next seven games with no more than one day of rest in between, including two back-to-backs.

The first is when they visit Dejounte Murray and the New Orleans Pelicans on November 3.

They return home to host the Boston Celtics the next night. The Hawks will visit the Detroit Pistons on November 8 before they host the Chicago Bulls on November 9. The second back-to-back is notably less challenging on paper.

But the Hawks – who will still be down several key players at that point – are still facing a daunting task.