Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson remains listed as questionable for the upcoming Sunday game against the Portland Trail Blazers due to a hip injury. Johnson left the Hawks’ February 24 victory over the Washington Wizards early after sustaining the injury and has been sidelined at least once since then, sitting out the February 26 game versus Washington with the same injury concern.
While his injury does not appear to be serious, uncertainty surrounds whether Johnson will be able to play on Sunday. The Hawks’ official injury report continues to mark him as questionable, leaving fans and bettors awaiting confirmation.
Insights from Betting Odds and Team Context
Betting lines for the Hawks’ game offer some perspective on Johnson’s expected availability. Atlanta is currently favored by 5.5 points at home, which some interpret as a sign that oddsmakers anticipate Johnson’s return. The Blazers are entering the game on the second night of a back-to-back, possibly giving the Hawks an edge if Johnson suits up.
Johnson, a former first-round pick and 2026 All-Star, has emerged as a top contender for the NBA’s Most Improved Player this season. His averages of 23.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game, along with efficient shooting percentages, reflect a significant growth in his overall impact for Atlanta.
Evaluating Jalen Johnson’s Betting Props Against Portland
As of Sunday morning, player prop wagers for Johnson are live on DraftKings Sportsbook, featuring lines like 22.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. Among these, Johnson’s rebounding prop stands out as a compelling option if he plays.
Johnson has consistently been a strong rebounder this season, surpassing 10 rebounds in over half of his games (27 out of 54). In February alone, he managed at least 11 boards in five of seven completed games, illustrating recent dominance on the glass.
During the season’s first Hawks-Blazers meeting, Johnson secured 11 rebounds, despite Portland ranking sixth in the NBA for rebound percentage. Although the Blazers crash boards effectively, they rank low (24th) in effective field goal percentage, resulting in many missed shots for Johnson to potentially convert into rebounds.
This mix of factors suggests Johnson could exceed the 10.5 rebounds line, provided he takes the floor on Sunday night.
“Jalen Johnson (hip) listed questionable for Sunday.” ? Underdog NBA
What to Watch Moving Forward
The Hawks’ coaching staff and medical team will likely continue to monitor Johnson’s condition closely in the hours before tipoff. His availability could significantly influence Atlanta’s performance against Portland, given his all-around contributions this season.
If Johnson does not play, it may alter the Hawks’ expected margin and affect betting lines accordingly. For bettors, keeping a close eye on injury updates will be crucial in making informed decisions.
Johnson’s health status also remains critical for Atlanta’s ongoing push this season, especially as he continues to establish himself as a leading candidate for Most Improved Player.
Jalen Johnson (hip) listed questionable for Sunday.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) February 28, 2026
