During the extended absence of All-Star Trae Young, the Atlanta Hawks have seen Jalen Johnson ascend to a more important role.

The Hawks, who host the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, are 8-4 without Young since he sprained his right MCL against Brooklyn on Oct. 29. Atlanta defeated New Orleans 115-98 on Saturday to break a two-game losing streak.

The Hornets have dropped five straight and are coming off a 131-116 drubbing by the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday.

This will be the first of four meetings between the teams this season. Atlanta swept the four-game series in 2024-25.

Johnson is healthy after being limited to 36 games last season because of injuries. He is averaging 22.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 15 games. He had 18 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists on Saturday,

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