The Atlanta Hawks are not playing good basketball this season. Entering the year, the Hawks were supposed to be a playoff team, but that has not been the case. Atlanta’s two wins are against a struggling Orlando Magic team and the winless Brooklyn Nets. Still, a 2-3 start is not what they had in mind.
Their next few games are about to get a lot more challenging, too. Trae Young left Wednesday’s game with a knee injury after just seven minutes played. Injuries to the knee are always a reason for concern in the NBA, but Young’s injury is not as bad as it could have been.
Per the Atlanta Hawks’ official X page, Trae Young will miss Friday’s NBA Cup game against the Indiana Pacers with a right knee sprain.
All things considered, this injury update is encouraging. The knee has plenty of ligaments that can be torn, but Young has not seemed to tear anything.
Young’s Impact on Atlanta
GettyTrae Young will miss at least one game with a sprained knee.
Young is the leader of the team in Atlanta. Before getting hurt, the Oklahoma product was averaging 20.8 points and 9.5 assists per game. His shooting percentages are not great, but Young is still able to score and create shots for his teammates. Not having him on the court to facilitate the offense will hurt Atlanta.
In the game before injuring his knee, Young scored 17 points and dished out 17 assists against the Chicago Bulls. His ability to draw help defenders and find the open teammate is an asset on the offensive side of the court. The Hawks will miss him in the lineup.
Young has been relatively healthy for the Hawks. He played at least 73 games in three of the last four seasons, and at least 60 games in six of his first seven years in the league. As of Thursday afternoon, Young has only been ruled out for one game. However, it would not be surprising if the All-Star guard has an extended absence.
Who Will Replace Young?
GettyNickeil-Alexander Walker could be the starter in Young’s absence.
A few games ago, Zaccharie Risacher and Kristaps Porzingis missed a game for their own respective reasons. Porzingis plays a completely different position, so his replacement does not shed any light on who will play in place of Young. However, Nickeil Alexander-Walker played 30 minutes with Risacher out. He is going to be the most likely replacement on Friday in Indianapolis.
When Young went out with his injury, NAW played 32 total minutes, scored 18 points, grabbed three rebounds, collected three assists, and blocked three shots. He played well and will most likely be a starter with Young injured. Luke Kennard played 28 minutes in Young’s absence, as well. Although he will most likely not start on Friday, the former first-round pick should see an increase in minutes.
The Hawks have no other significant players on their injury report heading into night one of the NBA Cup. The hope is for Young to return as soon as possible, but knee sprains are not something to rush back from. In the meantime, expect NAW and Kennard to see an uptick in usage.
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