The wait seems to be over for Trae Young. After having missed the Hawks’ last 22 games due to a sprained knee, everything indicates that he will return to action tonight in the visit to Charlotte, trying to give his team a boost in their fight to sneak into the top zone of the East.
His presence is not yet confirmed, but the point guard was able to complete yesterday’s training session with complete normality and conveys the feeling of already being completely recovered. In their latest injury report, the Hawks have listed him as doubtful for the first time since the injury occurred, and everything indicates that, barring a last-minute problem, he will be designated as available before the game.
An @emoryhealthcare injury report for tomorrow’s game at Charlotte:
Trae Young (right knee MCL sprain): Questionable
Kristaps Porzingis (illness): Out pic.twitter.com/oI0UigUJeK
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 17, 2025
Trae was only able to play four full games before suffering his injury, in which he averaged 20.8 points and 9.5 assists in what seemed like he was still getting into contact with the new course. Now, with the season much further along, it will be interesting to see how he performs in order to elevate the Hawks who have survived his absence quite well.
Optimistic
In fact, with a record of 14-9 without him, you might even wonder how much he’s been missed. Even with some ups and downs, the point guard’s loss has allowed Georgia to opt for a more physical and athletic style with Jalen Johnson as the main reference, and the feelings have been positive to the point that this stretch may have been a turning point for the franchise. One that makes management have a different opinion on who should be the project leader going forward.
However, far from being concerned about this possible replacement, Trae Young has celebrated the good image that his teammates have given in his absence: «I have seen the team do some very good things, and I want to help continue doing them. And on other occasions when we have seen more problems, I want to help make things easier for the rest. I want to come back and continue being another piece of the puzzle, as always.”
(Cover photo: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
