The Atlanta Hawks are about to hit a tough stretch of games – yes, even amid a four-game losing streak – starting with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the injury bug is not letting up.
Per the team, Hawks star Trae Young will not suit up for the contest due to hamstring tightness.
Young is averaging 22.8 points, a league-leading 11.5 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game this season, shooting 34.5% from beyond the arc with a 48.5% mark that is the second-lowest of his career.
However, he has been the engine for the Hawks’ offense, a role that was magnified amid the continued absence of Jalen Johnson.
Young has the second-highest on-off differential on the team, per Cleaning The Glass.
Only Johnson ranks better on the team. Still, Young’s 6.7 points per 100 possessions added rank in the 88th percentile entering play on January 26. The Hawks are 2-1 without Young this season, and 1-0 without the All-Star PG and Johnson.
At some point, the injuries will take their toll. But the Hawks were fortunate to find something in Keaton Wallace, who should allow them to withstand a one-game absence by Young.
They also got bigs Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr. back in their last game.
This is the first game on a back-to-back with travel, and Young has been dealing with this issue. The true tell will be whether or not he is able to suit up for the Hawks' second game on the back-to-back against the Houston Rockets.
Zaccharie Riacher upgraded before the Timberwolves game
The Hawks could also get rookie Zaccharie Risacher back on Monday. He went from out to receiving a “questionable” designation on the report. That would still put him 50-50 at best, but it is a significant step forward for the No. 1 pick who has missed the last six outings.
Risacher has not shot the three-ball as well as hoped. But his IQ and, even more, his defense have been sorely missed.
Only Capela and Johnson have better defensive on-off differentials while playing more minutes.
The Hawks could also get De’Andre Hunter back for the fray. He – like Nance, Risacher, and Young – is listed as “questionable” after missing the last game with an illness. Hunter has the third-best offensive on-off differential behind Johnson and Young.
Johnson remains out following word from the Hawks that he would undergo further testing for the shoulder issue that forced him out against the Toronto Raptors.
Johnson’s continued absence threatens his eligibility for awards recognition.
After visiting the Timberwolves, the Hawks will host the Rockets, head out for a three-game road trip – against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, and Detroit Pistons – and then home dates against the San Antonio Spurs and Milwaukee Bucks.
The Hawks are 15-14 against teams with winning records. Coming out of this upcoming stretch with a 4-3 (or even 3-4) mark would be a win given their injury situation.