Trae Young’s injury update and 2 other X-factors as Hawks host Knicks

It has been tough for the Atlanta Hawks on the injury front. And while there is still some way to go before they are back to full strength, they appear to be turning a corner.

The Hawks got starting 2-guard Dyson Daniels back two games ago against the New Orleans Pelicans. And Onyeka Okongwu returned in the Hawks’ last outing, a big loss to the Boston Celtics.

There was concern that Trae Young would be out of that contest after he left early with a rib injury.

However, the Hawks’ injury report gave hope that the three-time All-Star guard will be able to go despite the injury when his team hosts the Eastern Conference rival New York Knicks on Wednesday.

The Hawks listed Young as “probable” to the contest, which is a good sign given the nebulous nature of head coach Quin Snyder’s postgame comments.

“I’m honestly not the one to try to give you that information. I think what you’ve heard is what I’ve heard. He’s been playing great. I went in here and knocked on the table with you guys for a couple of games ago, and he is worn down right now,” Snyder told reporters Nov. 4 when asked for an update on Young’s status.

“We have a lot of guys that they compete and that’s all you can ask for.”

Young is having an incredible season, averaging 23.9 points, an NBA-leading and career-high 11.0 assists and 4.4 rebounds, also a career-high.

The Hawks still have several key players out for a while yet like Bogdan Bogdanovic and Vit Krejci. But the injury report also revealed another encouraging bit of injury news, and it could have a knock-on effect on the roster.

De’Andre Hunter has missed the Hawks’ last six games, a fact underscored by how hot a start he’s gotten in his two appearances this season. Hunter is averaging 18.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 2.0 APG this season, shooting 40% from beyond the arc.

That last number is key for a Hawks team that ranks 18th in deep attempts per. game and 21st in three-point efficiency.

Hunter has an extensive injury history, so caution is required when managing his knee.

However, his absence has been noticeable as a key part of why the Hawks’ perimeter defense has gone from looking like it could be serviceable to being as porous as it has been in several seasons when he was the lone stopper.

Now he has Dyson Daniels to help him in the starting lineup, taking the attacking burden off Hunter, who can focus solely on his wing duties.

His return could also help Zaccharie Risacher, who has started every game Hunter has missed.

Risacher has looked good through eight games in virtually every aspect except his shooting. On the season, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft is averaging 9.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG and 1.1 APG while shooting 32.9% from the floor and is 8-for-38 (21.1% ).

Risacher is also just a hair away from averaging 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals.

The really encouraging part is that he seems to be finding his range offensively, or at least what works for him right now.

He has posted double-digit scoring in each of the Hawks’ last two outings. He is averaging 13.0 PPG, 4.0 boards, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals in that span. The rookie has still been ineffective from deep, connecting on 18.2% of those looks.

However, Risacher’s overall efficiency is up to 35.7% in these two games.

He has incorporated several inside attempts in his arsenal. More than 47% of Risacher’s looks came from beyond the arc over his first six games.

That number is down to 39% over the last two games.

A healthier (ie, more diverse) diet will make things easier for Risacher, whose shooting woes could understandably have taken a toll on the rookie’s mindset. Instead, in another encouraging sign, Risacher (and most likely the coaching staff) adapted.

The deep shots didn’t fall, come in and get some easy looks. At 6-foot-10 in shoes, Risacher can get what he wants on the interior.

He just has to want it, and going back to a bench role could help take some pressure off him.