The Atlanta Hawks are getting their starting point guard back.

After being sidelined for seven weeks with a sprained MCL, Young will return Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets, according to multiple sources.

Young had missed the last 22 games with an injured right knee sustained on October 29, when he collided with teammate Mouhamed Gueye.

A four-time All-Star, Young averaged 20.8 points and 9.5 assists in Atlanta's first four games before getting injured late in the first quarter of the team's fifth contest.

The Hawks went 13-9 with Young out, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker stepping up in his absence, averaging 21.1 points in 22 starts.

Young, who led the NBA with 11.6 assists per game last season, will likely be on a minutes restriction as he builds his conditioning back up.

 

Atlanta's Trae Young – out since Oct. 29 with a sprained MCL – will 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