The Hawks’ recent surge has been one of the East’s quiet surprises, especially considering they’ve been without Trae Young, an All-Star and the NBA’s reigning assists champ, since his Oct. 29 injury. If Atlanta is already trending upward, Young’s eventual return could be the catalyst that cements them as a top-tier playoff team, given their depth on both ends.
Jalen Johnson’s 22.4 points and 9.6 rebounds have massively impressed, as has Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Kristaps Porzinģis and Onyeka Okongwu have been a positive front-court pairing. Meanwhile, Dyson Daniels continues to be one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA.
The 11-7 Hawks have truly engendered an all-hands-on-deck approach in the absence of their talisman, Young, but should take a further step upon his return. Here’s the latest on his injury timeline and potential return.
Trae Young Injury Update And Potential Return Date, While Jalen Johnson Leads The Way
The Young-less Hawks are 9-4 since the All-Star sprained his right MCL at the end of October. As reported by NBA.com, his subsequent MRI showed an MCL strain with no structural damage to his ACL, and he was given a 4-week timeline. At a minimum, he is expected to miss at least 15 games. Having already missed 13, a December return appears likely.
The Hawks released Monday’s injury report for their next game against the Washington Wizards and confirmed Young is still out for the game. Luke Kennard is questionable.
An @emoryhealthcare injury report for tomorrow’s game at Washington:
Luke Kennard (left hip inflammation): Questionable
Trae Young (right knee MCL sprain): Out pic.twitter.com/489n8rsjuT
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 24, 2025
This is another winnable game for the Hawks, and it has opened up questions about whether Young is available via trade at the deadline.
This is especially true since Jalen Johnson has led them to historic feats since becoming their primary option. For instance, in their recent victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Johnson’s 28 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds with no turnovers was the first time in franchise history that a player achieved 25+ points, 10+ assists, 5+ rebounds, and zero turnovers. As a whole, the Hawks are thriving in Young’s absence, winning nine out of 13 games, but his firepower and playmaking should only help them.
Looking at the Hawks’ December schedule, the earliest he could aim for is the LA Clippers on Dec. 3rd, the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 5th, or the Wizards in the second game of their back-to-back. However, the Hawks may choose not to rush it and have him return in the first game after their two-week break against the Hornets. The latter seems the most likely scenario, considering how well they are playing.
