The Atlanta Hawks are set to welcome starting point guard Trae Young back into the line-up after a seven-week layoff with a sprained MCL in the right knee, with sources indicating Young will face the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday under likely managed minutes.
Atlanta held a 13-9 record during Young’s absence, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker starting 22 games and averaging 21.1 points, helping stabilise the offence while Young recovered and the coaching staff adjusted the rotation around the short-handed backcourt.
Young has been sidelined since October 29, when a collision with teammate Mouhamed Gueye led to the knee injury late in the first quarter of Atlanta’s fifth game, after Young had already averaged 20.8 points and 9.5 assists across the opening
four fixtures.
The four-time All-Star led the NBA last season with 11.6 assists per game, and team staff are expected to limit Young’s workload at first against Charlotte while conditioning improves, aiming to balance playmaking needs with medical guidance over the coming stretch.
Young’s return restores Atlanta’s primary ball-handler and organiser, allowing Alexander-Walker to slide back into a supporting role after an extended run as starter, as the Hawks look to build on their 13-9 stretch without Young and stabilise their season around a full-strength backcourt.
Atlanta's Trae Youngout since Oct. 29 with a sprained MCLwill make his return tonight against the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell ESPN. The Hawks went 13-9 without Young and now get their starting point guard back.Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 18, 2025
