Hawks Edge Jazz In Nail-Biter As Jalen Johnson Shines

The Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks squared off at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 5, 2026, in a matchup that had all the makings of a late-season NBA thriller. Both teams entered the contest with rosters in flux, injury lists a mile long, and playoff ambitions—though, for the Jazz in particular, it’s been a season defined just as much by development as by the win column.

This was the second and final meeting between the two squads in the 2025-26 regular season. Atlanta had taken the first battle back in November, 132-122, in Salt Lake City, and came into this one riding a three-game win streak against Utah. But the storyline was far richer than just recent history. The Jazz, fresh off a blockbuster trade for former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., were looking to show off their new direction—even if Jackson Jr. himself was ruled out for this game due to pending trade formalities. Utah’s injury woes were significant: Keyonte George (left ankle sprain), Walker Kessler (shoulder), Lonzo Ball, John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. were all unavailable. Kevin Love was questionable due to illness, and Georges Niang remained sidelined by a foot stress reaction. That left the Jazz with a skeleton crew, relying heavily on Lauri Markkanen, Kyle Filipowski, and a young guard trio of Isaiah Collier, Cody Williams, and Ace Bailey to shoulder the load.

The Hawks, meanwhile, had their own absences to contend with. Kristaps Porzingis, Duop Reath, and N’Faly Dante were out, while Onyeka Okongwu was a game-time decision after a dental fracture. Caleb Houstan, RayJ Dennis, and Nikola Djurisic were all doubtful due to G-League assignments. Atlanta’s depth was tested, but the emergence of Jalen Johnson—recently named an NBA All-Star and the new face of the franchise after Trae Young’s trade to the Wizards—offered a bright spot for Hawks fans. Johnson, averaging career highs across the board and leading the Eastern Conference with nine triple-doubles entering the contest, was expected to be the focal point of Atlanta’s offense yet again.

Oddsmakers had Atlanta as a 9.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at a whopping 244.5 points, reflecting both teams’ up-tempo styles and Utah’s league-worst defensive rating of 122.0. As tipoff approached, the talk was less about who would win and more about which player prop would hit: Would Lauri Markkanen, fresh off a 40-point outburst in the previous matchup against Atlanta, continue his scoring tear? Could Isaiah Collier, who had just dished out 22 assists in his last outing, break into double figures again? And would Jalen Johnson notch his 10th triple-double of the year?

The game itself did not disappoint. The Jazz, despite their depleted roster, came out swinging and at one point held a 12-point lead—the largest of the night. Markkanen, as predicted, was an offensive force, attacking the Hawks’ defense relentlessly and putting up shot after shot. Entering the game, he was averaging 27.4 points per game on 47.7% shooting, and Atlanta’s defense, while improved to 15th in the league by defensive rating, still ranked just 23rd in opponent points per game. With so many regulars out, Markkanen’s usage rate soared, and he responded with the kind of performance that’s made him a mainstay in NBA prop betting columns.

On the other side, Jalen Johnson took full command of Atlanta’s offense. With Trae Young gone and Onyeka Okongwu’s status uncertain, Johnson’s playmaking and ability to push the pace were critical. He had torched the Jazz for 31 points, 18 rebounds, and 14 assists in their first meeting, and the Hawks’ hopes hinged on him replicating that kind of production. Johnson’s chemistry with shooters like CJ McCollum and Nickel Alexander-Walker was on full display, as Atlanta’s perimeter attack sought to exploit Utah’s thin backcourt and defensive rotations.

Isaiah Collier, thrust into the starting point guard role for Utah, continued his breakout stretch. After logging a staggering 48 minutes and 22 assists in his previous game, Collier’s vision and endurance were tested again. Bettors and analysts alike targeted his assist prop (over 11.5 at +110 odds), and he didn’t disappoint, orchestrating Utah’s offense and keeping the visitors within striking distance throughout the contest.

Statistically, the game was a barnburner. The Jazz shot 47% from the field (47-of-101) and a blistering 40% from beyond the arc (12-of-30), while the Hawks were even more efficient, connecting on 49% of their shots (48-of-98). Atlanta struggled from deep, hitting just 23% (8-of-35), but compensated with strong inside play and a slight edge at the free-throw line (74% to Utah’s 65%). Both teams were nearly even on the glass—Utah grabbed 49 rebounds to Atlanta’s 50—and turnovers were kept to a minimum, with 11 for the Jazz and 10 for the Hawks.

The lead see-sawed throughout, with Utah holding the advantage for 61% of the game and Atlanta for 29%. Yet, in classic Hawks fashion, the home team clawed back from their largest deficit, using a late fourth-quarter surge to take control. The contest was ultimately decided in the closing moments, with the Hawks edging out the Jazz, 121-119. It was a nail-biter to the end, with the referees—John Goble, Gediminas Petraitis, and Evan Scott—keeping a close watch as both teams battled for every possession.

For Utah, the loss was a tough pill to swallow, but there were plenty of positives. Markkanen’s scoring prowess remained undiminished, Collier’s playmaking was a revelation, and the young supporting cast showed grit against a playoff-hungry opponent. As for Atlanta, the win kept them in the thick of the Eastern Conference play-in race and showcased the growing leadership of Jalen Johnson, who has quickly become one of the league’s most dynamic forwards.

With the season series now complete and both teams heading into the All-Star break with plenty to ponder, the Jazz and Hawks will look to get healthy and regroup for the stretch run. For fans, it was another reminder that in the NBA, no matter the injuries or off-court drama, the action on the hardwood can still deliver edge-of-your-seat excitement.