Injured Hawks G Johnson out vs. Cavs (AP)

CLEVELAND (AP)—Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson(notes) is out for Sunday’s game
against Cleveland because of a sprained right thumb.

Johnson, who leads the Hawks with an 18.5-point average, was injured in the
third quarter of Saturday night’s 98-87 win over New Jersey. His thumb was bent
back in a collision with the Nets’ Anthony Morrow(notes) while the two were going for a
loose ball.

Hawks coach Larry Drew isn’t sure when Johnson, a five-time All Star, will
return. X-rays taken Saturday were negative. Johnson did not travel with the
team to Cleveland.

Drew said guard Jeff Teague(notes) will start in Johnson’s place. Atlanta clinched
a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with Saturday’s victory.