SportsLine's model has simulated the Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers matchup 10,000 times and revealed its NBA picks for Thursday

Atlanta forward Jalen Johnson plans to have shoulder surgery and miss the remainder of the season, a major blow to the struggling Hawks' efforts to remain in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Garland even erupted for 39 points five days ago against a very strong Rockets squad. January has been his best month of the season by far, averaging 24.7 points in 13 contests. As for facing the Atlanta Hawks, he’s dominated them this season as well, averaging 24 ppg across two meetings.

The Atlanta Hawks' effort to climb back into the playoff hunt in the Eastern Conference is about to get tougher.

Johnson, 23, suffered the shoulder injury during a loss to the Raptors last Thursday. Selected No. 20 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, the fourth-year wing was playing himself into the NBA All-Star conversation before the injury, averaging 18.9 points, 10 rebounds and five assists per game across 36 contests.

The Houston Rockets defeated the Atlanta Hawks last night, 100-96. The win comes on the second half of a back-to-back, as the Rockets defeated the Boston Celtics in TD Garden the previous night. This win at State Farm Arena was yet another test, as Houston has built a legitimate resume this season.

24 hours after defeating the reigning NBA Champion Boston Celtics, the Houston Rockets are back in action against the Atlanta Hawks. The Rockets' eastern conference tour has been a success, delivering two victories against the top-ranked Cleveland Cavaliers in addition to beating the Celtics.

Johnson, star point guard Trae Young, defensive-minded swingman (and NBA steals leader) Dyson Daniels and rookie wing Zaccharie Risacher are Atlanta’s core players. For the rest of this season, however, the Hawks must soldier on without one of those four names.

Johnson tore the labrum in his left shoulder and is set to miss the rest of the season, according to a report from Chris Haynes.

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson will undergo season-ending surgery on his shoulder, per multiple reports. Johnson, a burgeoning All-Star-caliber talent, injured his shoulder during Atlanta's loss to the Toronto Raptors last Thursday.

Atlanta Hawks (22-25, ninth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (38-9, first in the Eastern Conference) Cleveland; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Cavaliers -10.5; over/under is 237.