Atlanta Hawks’ star point guard Trae Young is likely to be available for tonight’s crucial matchup against the Denver Nuggets, despite being listed as questionable with right Achilles tendinitis. The game, scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET at Ball Arena, marks their final regular-season encounter.
Trae Young has shown remarkable performance this season, missing only one game on December 21 against the Memphis Grizzlies due to his Achilles condition. His recent game against the Toronto Raptors demonstrated his ability to play through discomfort, as he posted an impressive stat line of 34 points, 10 assists, and 2 rebounds while maintaining efficient shooting splits of 48/54/100.
The Hawks enter tonight’s game with a four-game winning streak, with Young’s season averages of 22.0 points, 12.1 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game playing a crucial role in their recent success. However, the team faces significant roster challenges as they prepare to face the defending champions.
Trae Young (Image via Getty)
While Trae Young is expected to play, the Atlanta Hawks’ rotation might be considerably thin. Bogdan Bogdanovic is listed as doubtful with a lower left leg contusion, while several other players are confirmed absences. Larry Nance Jr. remains sidelined with a fractured fourth metacarpal in his right hand, and Kobe Bufkin is out due to right shoulder injury management. The team will also miss Mouhamed Gueye (G League assignment), Daeqwon Plowden, and Keaton Wallace (both on two-way contracts), while Cody Zeller is not currently with the team.
The Nuggets, seeking their third consecutive victory, will look to capitalize on their previous dominant performance against the Hawks, where they secured a convincing 141-111 win. However, they too will be missing key players, including Aaron Gordon due to a right calf strain.
The availability of Trae Young becomes even more crucial given the Atlanta Hawks‘ depleted roster and the challenge of facing the Nuggets on their home court. His presence on the floor could be the determining factor in whether the Hawks can extend their winning streak to five games.
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Tonight’s game will bring to you an exciting matchup between a team looking to maintain its winning momentum and the defending champions aiming to strengthen their position in the Western Conference. With Trae Young expected to play through his Achilles tendinitis, basketball fans can anticipate another display of high-level competition between these two talented teams.
