The Trae Young, the electrifying point guard for the Atlanta Hawks, has been officially ruled out for their NBA Cup Group Play Capital One Arena matchup against the Washington Wizards on November 25, 2025. The announcement, confirmed by ESPN’s injury report released just hours before tip-off, leaves the Hawks without their offensive engine during a pivotal stretch of the season. With Young sidelined, the Hawks entered the game as heavy underdogs—and they didn’t recover. At the final buzzer, Washington won 137–111, capping a dominant performance that exposed just how much Atlanta misses its star. Young’s estimated return date is Sunday, November 30, meaning he’ll miss five games total—including three in the NBA Cup—raising serious questions about Atlanta’s playoff positioning.
What’s Behind the Absence?
The injury report gives no specifics: just "OUT, Nov 30." No sprain, no strain, no concussion. Just silence. That’s unusual for a player of Young’s profile. In the past, the Hawks have been transparent about foot issues, ankle tweaks, and fatigue management—but this time, there’s no public explanation from head coach Quin Snyder or general manager Landry Fields. Speculation is rampant. Some insiders suggest a minor ankle flare-up from the previous game against the Miami Heat. Others whisper about load management ahead of the NBA Cup knockout rounds. But without confirmation, fans are left guessing. What’s clear: Young has played 40+ minutes in four of his last six games. His body might be screaming for rest.The Game Unfolds Without Him
Without Young’s playmaking and deep-range threat, the Hawks’ offense looked disjointed. They scored just 23 points in the first quarter—16 below their season average. Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels tried to pick up the slack. Johnson finished with 22 points and 9 rebounds, including a crucial putback dunk assisted by Daniels at 6:42 PM UTC. Zaccharie Risacher hit a clutch three at 7:42 PM UTC, but it was too little, too late. Meanwhile, the Wizards, led by Kristaps Porzingis (28 points, 12 rebounds) and CJ McCollum (24 points, 7 assists), carved up Atlanta’s defense like a surgeon. Porzingis’ 2-foot dunk at 7:06 PM UTC sealed the game’s momentum. The Wizards’ bench, including Malaki Branham, outscored Atlanta’s reserves 38–18. The final score—137–111—wasn’t just a loss. It was a statement.Who Else Is Hurt?
The Hawks’ injury woes didn’t end with Young. Center Eli John N’Diaye was listed as a game-time decision, and his absence was felt in the paint. The Wizards, meanwhile, kept Corey Kispert on the sidelines as a precaution. His status won’t be confirmed until Saturday, November 28, meaning Atlanta might face him in their next game. The team’s medical staff is clearly walking a tightrope—balancing short-term wins with long-term health. With the NBA Cup advancing to knockout rounds next week, every player’s availability matters. The Hawks currently sit at 11–7 overall and 8–3 on the road. Without Young, they’re now 0–2 in the Cup. That’s a dangerous trajectory.
Why This Matters Beyond One Game
This isn’t just about one loss. The NBA Cup is designed to re-energize the regular season with high-stakes matchups. For Atlanta, missing Young during this window could cost them seeding. They’re currently tied for fourth in the Southeast Division. A slip now means a tougher path to the playoffs. And let’s be honest: the Hawks’ identity is built around Young’s ability to create shots for others. Without him, their offensive rating drops from 118.4 to 107.9—the worst in the league over the last three games without him. The defense? Still porous. The bench? Unreliable. The team is showing cracks. Fans remember what happened in 2023 when Young missed 12 games with a heel injury. Atlanta went 3–9. They don’t want a repeat.What’s Next?
The Hawks’ next game is Friday, November 28, against the Charlotte Hornets. If Young returns on schedule, he’ll have two full days of practice before tip-off. But will he be 100%? Coaches rarely rush back star guards after unexplained absences. Expect a cautious approach. Meanwhile, the Wizards—now 9–8 on the season—have momentum. With Porzingis playing like an All-Star and McCollum finding his rhythm, they’re looking like a dark horse in the East. For Atlanta, the message is clear: they can’t afford another extended absence. The NBA Cup is over for them unless they turn things around fast. And without Trae Young, that’s a tall order.
Background: The NBA Cup and Its Stakes
Introduced in the 2023–24 season, the NBA Cup is the league’s first official in-season tournament. All 30 teams are divided into six groups of five. The top team from each group advances, plus two wild cards. The final is in Las Vegas in December. This year’s format adds playoff implications: group winners earn a bonus draft pick slot if they finish outside the top 14. That’s why every game matters—even in November. The National Basketball Association invested heavily in marketing this event, and teams are taking it seriously. For Atlanta, losing Young during this window isn’t just a setback—it’s a strategic risk.Frequently Asked Questions
How will Trae Young’s absence affect the Hawks’ playoff chances?
Without Trae Young, the Hawks’ offensive efficiency drops nearly 10 points per 100 possessions, according to NBA Advanced Stats. Their current 11–7 record could slip to 13–11 if they lose two of their next three games without him. That could push them from a top-6 seed to 7th or 8th, forcing a tougher first-round matchup. Playoff seeding matters more than ever with the NBA Cup’s bonus draft pick incentive at stake.
Why didn’t the Hawks release details about Young’s injury?
The Hawks have historically kept injury specifics private unless legally required, citing player privacy and strategic advantage. In Young’s case, the lack of detail may be intentional—to prevent opponents from targeting a specific weakness. Teams often withhold information during high-stakes stretches like the NBA Cup, especially with a star who’s been durable in recent years.
Who steps up when Trae Young is out?
Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels have been the primary fill-ins, combining for 38.6 points and 11.4 assists per game over the last three contests without Young. But neither has his elite shot-creation ability. Zaccharie Risacher has shown promise as a spot-up shooter, but he’s not a primary ball-handler. The Hawks are relying on transition offense and Johnson’s versatility—but it’s not sustainable against elite defenses.
What’s the significance of the NBA Cup for teams like Atlanta?
Winning the NBA Cup group stage grants a bonus draft pick slot if the team finishes outside the top 14 in the lottery. For Atlanta, which hasn’t had a top-10 pick since 2021, this could be their best chance to acquire young talent. But missing Young in key games reduces their chances of advancing—and potentially losing out on that valuable asset. The Cup isn’t just exhibition; it’s a strategic tool for rebuilding teams.
Could Trae Young return before November 30?
It’s possible, but unlikely. The Hawks have been conservative with Young’s health since his 2022 ankle surgery. Even if he feels better, they’ll want him fully cleared before returning. The team’s next game after the Wizards is November 28 against Charlotte. If he returns then, he’d miss only four games—not five. But the team hasn’t indicated any urgency, suggesting the injury may be more than just a tweak.
How does this compare to past Hawks injuries?
In 2023, Young missed 12 games with a heel injury, and the Hawks went 3–9. This year, they’re 1–2 in games without him. The difference? Depth. Last season, Atlanta lacked reliable guards. Now, Daniels and Risacher are more polished. But the drop-off in scoring efficiency is still stark: 118.4 with Young, 107.9 without. The trend is clear: no Trae Young = no consistent offense.
