Atlanta Hawks superstar Trae Young has taken an important step in his bid to return to the court before the regular season ends.
Young has been sidelined for almost seven weeks now as a result of a finger injury that needed surgery. But with the Hawks set to compete in the Play-In Tournament, the Hawks could really use their superstar soon.
Trae Young Injury Update With Atlanta Hawks
Young last played on February 23 against the Toronto Raptors, during which he tore a ligament in his finger. Four days later, he underwent surgery and has been sidelined ever since then.
The updates on Young’s injury has been pretty scarce, but on Monday, more details about his status and condition came to light. Apparently, he has been cleared to return to practice. While no exact timeline was provided, the expectation is he’s going to suit up in the Play-In Tournament, which starts right after the regular season ends.
Atlanta has four games remaining but is already secured of a Play-In spot. The team is set to finish no better than the ninth seed, and they are currently the 10th seed.
“Hawks guard Trae Young has been cleared to resume contact and practice, team says. He underwent surgery for a torn ligament in his finger on February 27,” Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported.
Young is averaging 26.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 10.8 assists per game this 2023-24 season. Sure enough, his presence alongside Dejounte Murray will be a huge boost to a team hoping to defy the odds and make it to the playoffs.
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks’ Playoff Chase
However, making it to the playoffs as a lower-seeded team will be really difficult for Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks.
As things currently stand, they are going to face the Chicago Bulls in the opening round of the Play-In. Chicago has won the season series against Atlanta 2-1, though it’s the Hawks who won their last meeting earlier in April.
Should the Hawks win against the Bulls, however, they will have to face either the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers or the Indiana Pacers. The Cleveland Cavaliers could also end up falling to the Play-In should their struggles continue. But regardless, any of those teams pose a threat to Atlanta.
It remains to be seen which team or teams will the Hawks end up facing. But true enough, they will need their All-Star in Young to be healthy and at his best in order to have a fighting chance.
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