Trae Young will miss Atlanta’s NBA Cup opener against the Pacers with a knee injury
The The Atlanta Hawks will be without their franchise star, Tree Youngfor theirs NBA Cup opener against the Indiana Pacers on Friday, following the four-time All-Star game sprained his right knee in a 117–112 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.
The injury occurred in the first quarter when teammate Mouhamed Gueie accidentally fell backwards into Young’s leg. The 27-year-old defender immediately clutched his knee and left after just seven minutes of play. Young was scheduled to have an MRI on Thursdayand although no update was given, Atlanta decided to keep it on Friday as a precaution.
Young has been the Hawks’ offensive catalyst this season, averaging 17.8 points, 7.8 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 27.8 minutes per game while shooting 37.1% from the field and 82.1% from the free throw line.
Young’s absence didn’t stop Atlanta’s offense in the win over Brooklyn, as the team shared the ball for 33 assists and just eight turnovers. Nikhil Alexander-Walker, who had 18 points, three assists, three rebounds, two steals and three blocks in that game, is likely to start at guard in Young’s absence. Luke Kennard will see increased minutes off the bench.
The Hawks enter Friday’s game 2-3, ranked 23rd in points scored (113.8) and 19th in points allowed (120.4). Forward Jaylen Johnson (20.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG) and center Kristaps Porzingis (20.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG) will shoulder most of the offensive load. Onyeka Okongwu continues to contribute effectively with 15.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.
The Pacers (0-4) face even more roster issues as eight players, including Tyrese Halliburton (Achilles) and Benedict Maturin (toes), remain unavailable.
2025-10-30 23:43:00
