The Atlanta Hawks have managed their injury problems well this season, but they appear to be walking a fine line once again.

On the bright side, the Hawks could be open to bringing Dyson Daniels back into the game, with Locked On Hawks host Brad Rowland reporting that the guard is “probably” for today’s game along with Trae Young.

Bogdan Bogdanovic is “doubtful,” which is an improvement but still makes him unlikely.

Jalen Johnson was also a late addition to the report with a shoulder injury, according to Rowland, who also pointed out the unfortunate timing of the injury.

The Hawks could be without Jalen Johnson against the Nuggets

“Denver is a terrible matchup without Jalen Johnson,” Rowland posted on Jan. 1

JJ was on edge the entire homestand

💫 28 PTS
💫 13-20 FG
💫 13 REB
💫 5 AST@Jalen_J23 X @UPS pic.twitter.com/2CnbmP3src

– Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 29, 2024

Johnson missed the first game with the same injury, playing with a bandage on his shoulder and then appearing on the injury report the day before the game. The Hawks won the only other game Johnson missed in 2024 (due to a leg injury), defeating the Sacramento Kings.

The 30-point loss to Denver on December 8 is the Hawks’ worst loss of the season.

Johnson is averaging 19.9 points, 10.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists.

He is shooting 50.9% from the floor and over 74% from the free throw line. And even though he didn’t shoot three-pointers particularly well at just 33.1%, he can score at any time and does so many other things that you can survive the breaks.

Johnson has the highest on-off differential on the Hawks, according to Cleaning The Glass. To make matters worse, the Hawks are also without Larry Nance Jr. due to a hand injury.

Who plays PF?

Without Johnson or Nance, the Hawks only have so many viable options for a replacement at power forward. The immediate answer seems to be Onyeka Okongwu, who has expanded his range and has been seen there for some time.

But without Cody Zeller away from the team and Nance, there are no other backups behind Clint Capela.

The Hawks could move De’Andre Hunter into the starting lineup at 4th.

However, he was also very effective off the bench and his loss would undoubtedly have a negative impact on the second unit. The Hawks could keep him on the bench and move Vit Krecji or even Garrison Mathew into the starting five.

They could move No. 1 freshman Zacharie Risacher to the other forward spot to accommodate such a decision.

The Hawks could also turn to reserve player David Roddy, who will be included in the statistics list when he plays.

The return of Dyson Daniels is crucial

Daniels’ possible return on Wednesday night isn’t exactly a surprise. Young suggested that there was hope that Daniels would return to the team after the win over the Toronto Raptors in the middle of their six-game road trip.

Trae Young after the Hawks had 22 steals

“We know Dys isn’t here. But he is here. He was with us the whole season. We miss you, Dys. Hopefully we’ll see each other in Denver.” pic.twitter.com/knGgDMY7pk

— Hawks on FanDuel Sports Network (@FanDuelSN_Hawks) December 30, 2024

Daniels’ on-off differential doesn’t accurately reflect the positive impact he has on the Hawks when he’s on the floor.

But it’s clear to anyone watching. Making him big would be a big, timely boost.