The Atlanta Hawks host the New York Knicks on Friday, January 2, as injury availability looms large at State Farm Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET in a rematch of a tightly contested December meeting.
Atlanta enters the night at 16-19 and is coming off a convincing 126-102 home win over Minnesota on December 31. That performance followed a 128-125 loss to New York on December 27, giving the Hawks motivation to even the season series.
New York arrives with a 23-10 record despite a 134-132 loss at San Antonio on December 31. The Knicks had won two straight prior to that setback, including a 130-125 victory in New Orleans on December 29.
The Hawks’ injury report is headlined by the status of Trae Young, who is listed as questionable with a right quad contusion. Young has appeared in just 10 games this season but averages 19.3 points and 8.9 assists, making his availability central to Atlanta’s offensive structure.
Atlanta will be without N’Faly Dante, who is out for the season with a torn right ACL. Several two-way players, including RayJ Dennis, Nikola Djurisic, Caleb Houstan, and Malik Williams, are also listed as doubtful due to G League assignments.
If Young is limited or unavailable, Atlanta is expected to continue leaning on Jalen Johnson, who leads the team with 24.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu have also provided consistent scoring and playmaking in expanded roles.
New York’s injury report features a confirmed absence for Josh Hart, who is out with a right ankle sprain. Hart’s rebounding and perimeter defense have been significant this season, averaging 8.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.
Mitchell Robinson is listed as questionable as he continues left ankle injury management, while Landry Shamet remains out with a right shoulder sprain.
The Knicks continue to be powered by Jalen Brunson, who is averaging 29.4 points and 6.6 assists across 30 games. Karl-Anthony Towns anchors the frontcourt with 21.9 points and 11.7 rebounds per contest, providing matchup pressure against Atlanta’s interior rotation.
