Hawks' Young returning vs. Hornets after 22-game absence

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young will return Thursday versus the Charlotte Hornets, the team announced prior to tipoff.

Young missed the last 22 games after suffering a sprained MCL in late October.

The Hawks, who went 13-9 without the four-time All-Star, sit seventh in the Eastern Conference.

Young has played in just five contests during the 2025-26 campaign, averaging a career-low 17.8 points with 7.8 assists and 2.0 rebounds over 27.8 minutes.

The 27-year-old has a player option for next season worth almost $49 million.