All-Star point guard Trae Young continues to ramp up his reconditioning activities and is expected to return to practice next week, the Hawks announced today in a press release (Twitter link).
Young injured his right knee in a collision with teammate Mouhamed Gueye in the first quarter of an October 29 game at Brooklyn. He was ruled out for the rest of that game and was diagnosed with a sprained MCL a few days later after undergoing an MRI, which revealed no additional damage.
Young has missed the past 21 games with the injury. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported last week that Young was optimistic about returning to action this month.
Atlanta is currently 14-12, the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Here are a few more injury updates from around the NBA:
- Rockets forward Tari Eason, who has been out since November 14 due to a strained oblique, could return to action in a couple days. Head coach Ime Udoka said Eason practiced on Saturday and the team is “hoping” the 24-year-old will be available for Monday’s game at Denver, tweets Rockets sideline reporter Vanessa Richardson. Udoka clarified that Eason’s return will depend on if he experiences soreness after practice.
- Grizzlies big man Brandon Clarke was assigned to the G League’s Memphis Hustle to practice on Friday prior to being recalled, the team announced (via Twitter). Clarke underwent an arthroscopic procedure in September to address synovitis in his right knee after having his 2024/25 season cut short due to a PCL sprain in that same knee. He’s expected to be out at least a couple more weeks, but obviously practicing is a positive development — the 29-year-old Canadian hasn’t suited up for a game since March 19.
- Second-year Grizzlies center Zach Edey missed the first 13 games of the season as he recovered from offseason surgery on his left ankle. He will be out at least four weeks after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in the same ankle. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo discussed Edey’s situation prior to Friday’s loss to Utah, per Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal (video link). “He’s been a huge part of what we’ve been doing … it’s a big loss, ” Iisalo said. “But at the same time, it’s for the long-term benefit of everybody involved.”
- Suns star Devin Booker did “everything” during Friday’s practice and was also a full participant in Saturday’s practice, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic (Twitter video links). “Responding well,” head coach Jordan Ott said of Booker. “That’s encouraging. No issues. Practiced today. Just see exactly how it responds.” The four-time All-Star guard, who has missed the past three games with a right groin strain, could return Sunday vs. the Lakers.