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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 01: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at State Farm Arena on March 01, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks will be without forward Jonathan Kuminga for Saturday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks as the team continues to manage his lingering knee injury.
Kuminga has been ruled out due to left knee injury management, according to the NBA’s latest injury report. The decision comes a day after Kuminga returned to action during Atlanta’s 108–97 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night.
The Hawks are taking a cautious approach with the 22-year-old forward as he continues to work his way back from the injury. The team expects the absence to be short-term, and Kuminga could return for Monday’s game against the Orlando Magic.
Hawks Managing Jonathan Kuminga’s Knee Injury
Kuminga recently returned after missing three games because of a bone bruise in his left knee.
In Thursday’s win over Brooklyn, the former lottery pick logged 19 minutes, finishing with two points, nine rebounds and two assists. While he struggled offensively, going 0-for-4 from the field, Kuminga made an impact on the glass and defensively as he continues to regain rhythm after the injury.
Atlanta’s coaching staff appears focused on ensuring the injury does not linger deeper into the season.
The Hawks are currently riding the NBA’s longest active winning streak, and the team has prioritized keeping its rotation healthy during the stretch run.
Kuminga’s absence on Saturday will open additional minutes for former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher and sharpshooter Corey Kispert.
Kuminga Adjusting After Midseason Trade
Kuminga has been working to find his role since being traded earlier this season.
Atlanta acquired him from the Golden State Warriors in a deal that sent injured center Kristaps Porzingis in the opposite direction.
In four games with the Hawks, Kuminga has averaged 16.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists, showing flashes of the athletic two-way ability that made him a key piece in Golden State’s rotation before the trade.
Thursday’s game highlighted both the challenges and promise of his transition.
Atlanta relied heavily on a balanced offensive effort to defeat Brooklyn, with Jalen Johnson nearly recording a triple-double with 21 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Risacher added 19 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 18 and CJ McCollum finished with 14 points.
Kuminga’s contributions were less visible on the scoreboard, but his rebounding and defensive activity helped Atlanta maintain control during key stretches.
Hawks Extending Winning Streak
Atlanta’s win over Brooklyn extended the team’s winning streak to eight games, the longest active run in the league.
The Hawks have surged in the Eastern Conference standings during that stretch and now sit eighth in the playoff race, just 1½ games behind the Toronto Raptors for seventh place.
The victory also came despite the absence of guard Dyson Daniels, who is sidelined with a sprained toe.
Against the Nets, Atlanta pulled away in the fourth quarter after Josh Minott gave Brooklyn an early lead in the period. McCollum helped spark a 10-0 run that restored control for the Hawks.
Brooklyn has struggled recently, dropping 12 of its last 14 games while playing without leading scorer Michael Porter Jr., who is dealing with a sprained right ankle.
Fans React to Kuminga’s Performance
Kuminga’s return from injury drew mixed reactions from fans on social media.
Some observers focused on his rebounding and defensive presence.
“Shoutout Kuminga — he had nine rebounds, showed good defense on that end and showed his passing ability out there,” one fan wrote. “You can tell he’s trying to adjust back from injury.”
Others joked about his stat line, comparing it to the well-known all-around but inefficient scoring performances of former Warriors forward Draymond Green.
Despite the limited scoring output, Kuminga’s activity on the glass — nine rebounds in just 19 minutes — was viewed as an encouraging sign as he continues to regain full health.
For Atlanta, the priority now is ensuring Kuminga’s knee responds well to rest before the next game.
If the recovery continues as expected, the Hawks anticipate having him back on the floor Monday when they face Orlando.