The Atlanta Hawks took a notable hit with Trae Young landing on the injury report with an MCL sprain in his right knee. The four-time All-Star avoided significant structural damage to the knee, but will miss at least the next four weeks before being re-evaluated.
Atlanta is off to a 3-3 start to the season after high expectations following a successful offseason. There have been encouraging signs of development from players like Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels but the Hawks are built around Young.
Young is averaging 17.8 points and 7.8 assists this season. He has struggled as a shooter, connecting on just 37.1% of his shots from the field and 19.2% of his three-point attempts. The reigning assist champion left Wednesday’s game after being rolled up on by a teammate while the Hawks attempted to full court press. Young missed Friday’s matchup against the Pacers and will miss extended time beyond this.
On the positive side, it is great that Young avoided major injury and there is plenty of time in the season to recover. But after the two sides failed to agree to a contract extension this summer, this is far from ideal for either Young or the Hawks.
Atlanta will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday without its star guard. The Cavaliers enter as 5.5-point favorites and the Hawks are +180 on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Stay tuned to DK Network for live updates.
