Hawks Beat Pacers as Johnson Sits
Atlanta defeated Indiana on November 2, 2026, with Jalen Johnson sidelined and his status for Washington now questionable.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Indiana Pacers on November 2, 2026, without Jalen Johnson, who did not play. Lu Dort started in his place and had one of his better games of the season, while Corey Kispert scored 14 points and hit four threes.
Why it matters
Johnson's absence forced changes to Atlanta's rotation, and the team's next game against the Washington Wizards will test whether the adjusted lineup can hold up. Johnson is listed as questionable for that matchup.
Kispert scored 14 points on four three-pointers in the win, posting a -9 plus-minus. Asa Newell played 17 minutes with a -7 mark, while Zuby Ejiofor added three points and five rebounds off the bench.
The players
Jalen Johnson
Jalen Johnson is a forward for the Atlanta Hawks whose status for the Washington game is questionable.
Trae Young
Trae Young is a former Atlanta Hawks point guard who now plays for the Washington Wizards.
The details
Lu Dort started in place of Johnson and had one of his better games of the season. Asa Newell and Zuby Ejiofor served as backup bigs off the bench.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: Hawks defeat the Pacers without Johnson.
November 4, 2026: Hawks face the Washington Wizards, the first of two games against Washington this week.
Season Trajectory
The Hawks' ability to win without Johnson in their early season sets a test for how deep their rotation runs over a long campaign. Having a former Hawk point guard, Trae Young, now on the opposing Washington roster adds a familiar storyline to the next game.
Johnson's questionable status creates a lineup question for fantasy managers and Hawks fans heading into Wednesday. Lu Dort's expanded role could affect rotation-based fantasy decisions if Johnson sits again.
The takeaway
Depth players stepping into bigger roles can keep a team competitive during injuries, and Atlanta's next game will show whether that holds without Johnson.
What happens next
The Hawks face the Washington Wizards on November 4, 2026, with Johnson's availability to be determined closer to tip-off.
Further reading
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