The Atlanta Hawks have had two days of rest to prepare for a crucial series of games beginning in March. After finishing February on a three-game winning streak, the team improved their record to 30-31. With an opportunity to reach a .500 overall record, the latest Atlanta Hawks injury update confirms that both Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who had been sidelined with a left foot sprain, and Jalen Johnson, dealing with left hip flexor irritation, are expected to play tonight. Both were listed as questionable before the game and missed the previous matchup against the Washington Wizards. The Hawks have announced they will return to the starting lineup for Sunday’s contest.
“Hawks updates for tonight…Jalen Johnson is AVAILABLE Nickeil Alexander-Walker is AVAILABLE https://t.co/lRXCTHGJZs”
— Brad Rowland, Reporter
Evaluating Atlanta’s Chance to Extend Their Winning Streak
The Hawks enter their upcoming game holding a 13-10 record against Western Conference opponents this season, demonstrating recent strength with a 7-4 record over their last 11 contests. Their 13 wins versus the Western Conference rank fifth among Eastern Conference teams, trailing Detroit, Miami, Boston, and Cleveland. Historically, Atlanta has found success at home against the Portland Trail Blazers, winning five of their last six games at State Farm Arena, setting up favorable conditions for tonight’s matchup.
Most recently, the Hawks dominated the Wizards 126-96 on February 26, maintaining control throughout the game with a wire-to-wire victory for the second consecutive match—an accomplishment they had not achieved since the 2021-22 season. Over these two wins, the team averaged 122.5 points, 58.5 rebounds, 31.5 assists, and 13 steals while holding their opponents below 100 points each time. The Hawks demonstrated both offensive efficiency and defensive intensity during this stretch, suggesting a growing confidence ahead of more demanding games.
Key Player Contributions Enhancing Atlanta’s Momentum
New acquisition Jonathan Kuminga has immediately impacted the Hawks since joining the team, averaging 22 points per game on impressive shooting splits, including 66.7% field goal accuracy and 57.1% from three-point range. In just two games, Kuminga has gathered eight rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per contest while achieving a +39 total plus/minus rating. This marks the highest two-game plus/minus by any NBA player since Buddy Hield in 2024 and is the best start for a Hawk since Mike Dunleavy Jr. in the 2016-17 season. In his latest outing, Kuminga nearly secured a double-double with 17 points and nine boards.
Corey Kispert, a former Washington Wizards player, has been another standout contributor off the bench. On February 26, Kispert posted a career-high 33 points, including 11-of-19 shooting and perfect free throw execution (5-of-5), along with six rebounds. Such production from a reserve player in under 30 minutes is rare for the Hawks, matching achievements made only by notable players such as Danilo Gallinari, Ken Norman, Adam Keefe, and John Drew. Kispert also approaches a career milestone, needing just two assists to reach 500 total career helpers.
Dyson Daniels has continued to impress defensively and as a playmaker. In the recent game against Washington, Daniels notched 13 points, 11 assists, and five steals in 33 minutes. He is one of only five NBA players this season to accumulate at least 10 points, 10 assists, and five steals in a single game, alongside prominent players such as teammate Jalen Johnson, Luka Dončić, Cade Cunningham, and Tyrese Maxey. Daniels leads the league with 111 steals this year and holds the highest total steals (468) among NBA players since entering the league in 2022.
Significance of Tonight’s Game and Future Outlook
With both Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker returning to the lineup, the Hawks strengthen their roster depth at a critical juncture in the season. Their recent success against Western Conference teams and solid performances from key players like Jonathan Kuminga and Corey Kispert position them well to potentially extend their winning streak to four games. The team’s ability to maintain defensive pressure and create scoring opportunities will be tested against Portland, but their home-court advantage and positive momentum could prove decisive. As the Hawks strive to reach a .500 record and climb the standings, the contributions of these returning and emerging players will be vital to sustaining competitive performance throughout this pivotal stretch.
Hawks updates for tonight…
Jalen Johnson is AVAILABLE
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is AVAILABLE https://t.co/lRXCTHGJZs
— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) March 1, 2026
