The Atlanta Hawks will take on the Chicago Bulls for the next matchup on December 26, 2024. As a 7th seed with a 15-15 record this season, the Hawks have a growing anticipation regarding the status of star point guard Trae Young. They are coming off a 117-104 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Both Young and Bogdan Bogdanovic appear on the injury report as questionable, with Young dealing with a right heel contusion. This will be his third consecutive listing on the uncertain list, as he was listed as questionable for the two previous games. However, he did manage to suit up and contribute to the Hawks’ recent victory over the Wolves. He scored 29 points, provided seven assists, and kept the team’s live offense sailing swiftly.
However, the Hawks invoked a much-needed boost from this win against Minnesota. They snapped a troubling three-game losing streak, including a blowout against the Memphis Grizzlies. Young was equally instrumental in the offensive side and helped other players like Garrison Matthews and Dyson Daniels shine.
An @emoryhealthcare for tomorrow’s game vs. Chicago:
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 25, 2024
Bogdan Bogdanovic (left lower leg contusion): Questionable
Trae Young (right heel contusion): Questionable
Kobe Bufkin (right shoulder injury management): Out
Onyeka Okongwu (left knee inflammation): Out
Cody Zeller (not with… pic.twitter.com/bfgHzt6NXS
Trae Young (right heel contusion) is questionable for the Hawks on Thursday against the Bulls.
— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) December 25, 2024
Bogdan Bogdanovic (left lower leg contusion) is questionable.
Okongwu (knee) remains out.
Bufkin and Zeller out.
While Young’s presence on the court makes a substantial difference, the Hawks may need to rely on their bench depth if he cannot play. Players like Jalen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter showed their contributions in the Wolves game. Johnson neared a triple-double, and Hunter scored solidly off the bench. The outcome of tomorrow’s game may hinge on whether Trae Young can shake off the heel contusion to lead his team in what promises to be an exciting encounter against a competitive Bulls squad.
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Trae Young and Garrison Mathews Led The Scoring Against Minnesota Timberwolves
During the Monday night game, the Hawks defeated the Timberwolves 117-104, thanks to standout performances from Trae Young and Garrison Mathews. Young, who showed no signs of discomfort from his bruised heel, scored 29 points. Mathews came off the bench to steal the spotlight and hit a career-high seven 3-pointers, setting a season-best with 25 points.
This energy >>> pic.twitter.com/gz4Y7GNpEk
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 24, 2024
On the other hand, the Timberwolves faced a tough night despite some bright spots. Naz Reid put up 23 points off the bench, and Anthony Edwards added 16 points while returning to his hometown. However, Minnesota rallied for a halftime lead after a sluggish start that saw them fall behind 30-11.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t keep the momentum going in the second half. An early surge from the Hawks turned the tide and established a lead that Atlanta maintained. With Dyson Daniels locking down on defense and racking up eight steals, the Hawks pulled away and left the Timberwolves reflecting on a frustrating stretch.
