Hawks Rule Out Trae Young for Approximately Four Weeks; Heat Adjust Rotation; Hornets Await LaMelo Ball’s Return
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ATLANTA — The Hawks expect point guard Trae Young to miss about four weeks after imaging revealed a sprained MCL in his right knee, head coach Quin Snyder said. According to Snyder, the test results showed no major structural damage, allowing the club to project a one-month recovery instead of a longer absence.
With Young sidelined, Snyder indicated Atlanta will modify its offense, shifting playmaking duties across multiple players and introducing new actions to compensate for the loss of one of the league’s top pick-and-roll creators. The announcement followed the Hawks’ 127-112 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
Heat
MIAMI — Miami went small in Monday’s one-point win over the Los Angeles Clippers, keeping Pelle Larsson in the starting lineup even after Norman Powell’s return and bringing Kelel Ware off the bench for matchup reasons. Coach Erik Spoelstra emphasized the move was not a demotion for Ware, noting that starting assignments will vary based on opponents as the Heat leverage the roster’s versatility.
Hornets
CHARLOTTE — LaMelo Ball missed his second straight game Tuesday because of a right ankle issue that also kept him out of Sunday’s 23-point win against the Utah Jazz. Ball is averaging 23.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 9.8 assists, and his absence was felt in a 116-112 defeat to the previously winless New Orleans Pelicans. The Hornets have not provided a timetable for Ball’s return, though the injury is not considered serious.
Source: Hoops Wire
