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Hawks Make Major Jonathan Kuminga Decision Before Magic Showdown

Jonathan Kuminga, Atlanta Hawks, Warriors

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Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts with Dyson Daniels #5 during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at State Farm Arena on February 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Atlanta Hawks will receive a key boost Monday night as forward Jonathan Kuminga has been officially cleared to play against the Orlando Magic after missing their previous game due to a lingering left knee injury.

Kuminga sat out Saturday’s 122–99 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, but the former lottery pick will shed the questionable designation and return to the lineup for Atlanta’s home contest.

The matchup adds another layer of intrigue as it will feature a battle of the NBA’s hottest teams, with the Hawks entering on a nine-game winning streak — the longest active run in the league — while the Magic arrive riding a seven-game surge of their own.

It will mark just his fifth appearance with the Hawks since the franchise acquired him from the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline in a deal that sent injured center Kristaps Porzingis to Golden State.

Jonathan Kuminga Returning From Knee Injury

Kuminga has been managing a bone bruise in his left knee, an injury he originally sustained while still playing for the Warriors earlier this season.

The knee issue has limited his availability since the trade, forcing him to miss four of the previous five games entering Monday’s matchup.

His most recent appearance came in Atlanta’s 108–97 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.

Kuminga logged 19 minutes in that game, finishing with two points, nine rebounds and two assists. Although he struggled offensively, shooting 0-for-4 from the field, he made a noticeable impact on the glass and defensively while working his way back into rhythm after the injury.

Atlanta’s coaching staff has taken a cautious approach with Kuminga’s recovery to ensure the issue does not linger deeper into the season.

Early Production With Hawks Shows Promise

Despite the stop-and-start nature of his availability, Kuminga has already shown flashes of the dynamic two-way ability that made him a key contributor in Golden State.

In his first four games with Atlanta, the 22-year-old forward has averaged 16.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 24.8 minutes per game.

Those numbers highlight the athletic versatility that made Kuminga a coveted addition for the Hawks as they looked to strengthen their rotation for the stretch run.

His ability to attack the rim, rebound and defend multiple positions adds another dimension to Atlanta’s lineup.

Hawks Riding NBA’s Longest Winning Streak

Kuminga’s return comes at an ideal time for a Hawks team that has surged into form.

Atlanta enters Monday’s matchup riding the NBA’s longest active winning streak at nine games after Saturday’s dominant victory over Milwaukee.

Veteran guard CJ McCollum led the way against the Bucks with 30 points, including seven three-pointers.

Forward Jalen Johnson recorded his 12th triple-double of the season, finishing with 23 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker also contributed 20 points as Atlanta broke open a competitive first half by outscoring Milwaukee 35–26 in the third quarter.

Magic Surging Into the Matchup

The Magic, meanwhile, arrive in Atlanta with significant momentum of their own.

Orlando has won seven straight games, tightening its grip on positioning in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The clash between the streaking Magic and red-hot Hawks sets up one of the more compelling games on Monday’s NBA slate, with both teams trying to extend their runs during the final stretch of the regular season.

For Atlanta, having Kuminga available again adds another athletic weapon as the team looks to maintain its momentum against one of the league’s most in-form opponents.

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