Surprisingly, the Atlanta Hawks have improved their form lately, even without their All-Star point guard and the reigning NBA assist leader, Trae Young, who was injured on Oct. 29th. Theoretically, his return could put them over the top and comfortably place them in the upper echelon of playoff teams in this year’s Eastern Conference, thanks to their depth on both ends of the floor.

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.