Trae Young is nearing a return for the Atlanta Hawks, as he has been listed as questionable for Thursday’s game in Charlotte.
If he plays, it would be his first appearance since October 29, when he suffered a right knee injury that was later diagnosed as a sprained MCL.
Young has missed 22 games and will not be eligible for end-of-season awards because he cannot reach the 65-game threshold.
In the four full games he played before the injury, he averaged 20.8 points and 9.5 assists but struggled with efficiency, shooting 36.4% from the field and 19.2% from three-point range.
Atlanta has remained competitive without its star guard. After a 1–3 start, the Hawks have gone 14–9 and now sit at 15–12, with Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Vit Krejci taking on more playmaking responsibility in Young’s absence.
Young practiced with the College Park Skyhawks earlier this week and then with the Hawks on Wednesday, signaling his return is close.
If he doesn’t play against the Hornets, his next opportunity would be Friday at home versus San Antonio.
Despite recent trade speculation, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Atlanta is hopeful Young’s return will “elevate” a team that has held up well without him.
ICYMI: Trae Young appears to be on the verge of returning for the Hawks. Details: https://t.co/ZToALnxKdM
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 18, 2025
