Is Trae Young playing tonight? Atlanta Hawks star set to start again as team gain major boost ahead of San Antonio Spurs clash

On Thursday night, the Atlanta Hawks welcomed their point guard back. After missing the previous 22 games due to injury, Trae Young made a comeback to the floor as the Hawks lost to the Charlotte Hornets. The league insider claims that Young will start again against the Charlotte Hornets tonight.

The Hawks have been competitive despite being without the four-time All-Star. With a 15-12 record, they are ranked eighth in the Eastern Conference. The Atlanta Hawks' biggest issue with Trae Young, according to Jalen Johnson's agent Rich Paul, is that although he is one of the league's most gifted players, they need to stop relying too much on him.

Trae Young nears full return as Atlanta Hawks expect star guard to suit up despite tight turnaround

Since the start of the 2025–26 NBA season, Atlanta Hawks standout Trae Young has missed a considerable amount of time. Due to a damaged MCL, Young has only been in five games for the Hawks this season and hasn't been in the starting lineup since October 31. On Thursday, though, ESPN's Shams Charania gave an encouraging report regarding the team's starting point guard.

Young's availability has been questioned due to Atlanta's short turnaround to a Friday night game against the San Antonio Spurs. It is anticipated that Young will perform on Friday evening. The Hawks have made no mention of resting him on a back-to-back.

Later in the day, it will be worthwhile to watch the injury report just in case. Young was labelled as probable before actually participating on Thursday night due to his knee ailment, and he fully participated in Wednesday's practice.





With only eight points, he didn't have a really strong game. Against the Hornets, Young did record ten assists. When Young joined the league, he was given the all-clear. The Hawks perceived Young's potential as a combination of Steph Curry and James Harden, so they traded the 17-year-old Luka Doncic, the current EuroLeague MVP, to select him.

Although he didn't achieve the MVP peak Atlanta had hoped for, this moment was still significant. He recorded crucial reps that helped him become into the offensive force he is today. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has had a chance to excel during his absence from the team.

When Young joined the league, he was given the all-clear. The Hawks perceived Young's potential as a combination of Steph Curry and James Harden, so they traded the 17-year-old Luka Doncic, the current EuroLeague MVP, to select him.

Trae Young searches for rhythm as Hawks balance shared offense with star return

Trae Young has averaged 17.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in his five games. He has recorded the lowest figures of his career and has had difficulty finding his flow on the floor. In his debut campaign, the former Oklahoma standout averaged 19.1 points per game.

Paul cited the NBA's elite teams' evolving dynamics over the previous ten years as justification for the Hawks' need to alter their style of play. The Celtics and Thunder, the last two championship-winning teams, both had players ranked in the top five in the league, but their egalitarian offense fed everyone.

With Young out, Jalen Johnson took the lead for Atlanta and finished the game against Charlotte with 43 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists. He doesn't appear to be relinquishing his position anytime soon. Young has averaged 17.8 points, 7.8 assists, and 2 rebounds per game in his five games this season. The Hawks' offence and leadership on the court are anticipated to improve with his return.


Also read: Is Trae Young playing tonight Vs Toronto Raptors? Atlanta Hawks legend's health status against the Canadian giants revealed (11-07-2025)



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