On January 1, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young showed why he’s still one of the most skilled players in the NBA. Though his scoring has dipped a little this season, Young is leading the league in assists with an impressive 11.9 per game, while also averaging 22.6 points per contest.

However, his shooting has been a bit off this year. He’s hitting only 40.1% of his shots from the field and 33.8% from beyond the arc. Despite these numbers, his ability to create plays and set up teammates remains elite and keeps him at the top of the playmaking ranks.

Heading into Saturday’s matchup against the LA Clippers, there’s some uncertainty around Young’s availability. He’s listed as questionable due to a right hand contusion, possibly related to Friday night’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Hawks are playing their second game in two nights, making it a tough stretch for the team. So far, Young has played in 33 out of Atlanta’s 35 games this season, showing his durability.

In Friday’s contest against the Lakers, Young put on a show with 33 points and nine assists in 36 minutes of action. Unfortunately, his efforts weren’t enough to secure a win for the Hawks.

The good news is that this back-to-back doesn’t involve a long trip. The Hawks only need to travel a short distance from downtown Los Angeles to Inglewood, where they’ll face the Clippers at Intuit Dome. Fans can expect an update on Young’s status closer to game time.

Keywords: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, assists leader, NBA playmaker, shooting struggles, back-to-back games, LA Clippers matchup, injury update.