The Atlanta Hawks are set to face the San Antonio Spurs in a crucial non-conference matchup. The Hawks with a 23-27 record, rank 9th in the Eastern Conference and the Spurs hold the 12th spot in the Western Conference with a 21-26 record. With both teams desperate to turn things around, this matchup could be a turning point. The Hawks, struggling to find consistency, face a Spurs squad eager to build chemistry with their newest star
Heading into the game, Atlanta is concerned with multiple injuries. The biggest news is Trae Young is reported to be on a day-to-day status due to his Achilles issue. The team’s backcourt will not be seeing Bogdan Bogdanovic and Clint Capela, sidelined due to personal reasons and back injury. On the Spurs’ side, Charles Bassey is ruled out due to a sprained (left) MCL, and Chris Paul’s finger injury has made him questionable.
How will Trae Young’s potential absence impact the Hawks?
Atlanta’s offense this season has been top-notch, ranking fourth in the Eastern Conference. Much of this contribution comes from their All-star point guard, Trae Young. Averaging 23 points, and 3.2 rebounds, his 11.5 assists have topped the league this year. In their win against the Pistons, he scored 34 points, which was crucial in putting the Hawks out of their 8-game losing streak.
Dec 19, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) goes up for the tip at the beginning of overtime against the Atlanta Hawks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
If Young doesn’t suit up for tonight’s game, it would definitely put up load on the other players of the team. In recent games, De’Andre Hunter and Dyson Daniels have been putting on a show, averaging 18.9 points/3.4 rebounds and 13.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 3.8 APG. Atlanta’s Achilles heel this season has been its defense, ranking near the bottom of the league. Without Capela protecting the rim, Wembanyama might have a field day in the paint.
De’Aaron Fox is going to be San Antonio’s new asset. His past averages of 25 points and 6.1 assists are expected to be boosted by pairing him up with Victor Wembanyama. He’s averaging 24.6 points and 10.9 rebounds blocking 3.9 shots per game. Wembanyama isn’t just a defensive anchor—he’s an outright nightmare for opposing teams. Atlanta will need to be creative to slow him down.
Ranked 28th in the league, the Hawks’ defense has been softer than a hotel pillow lately, and the Spurs will be eager to take advantage. With the Spurs averaging 112.5 points per game and the Hawks surrendering 119, all signs point to a fast-paced, high-scoring battle.
Depth Charts of both the teams
San Antonio Spurs Depth Chart
Position
Starter
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
PG
De’Aaron Fox
Chris Paul
Stephon Castle
Blake Wesley
Jordan McLaughlin
SG
Stephon Castle
Devin Vassell
Julian Champagnie
Malaki Branham
Blake Wesley
SF
Devin Vassell
Harrison Barnes
Julian Champagnie
Keldon Johnson
Malaki Branham
PF
Harrison Barnes
Jeremy Sochan
Keldon Johnson
Sandro Mamukelashvili
Julian Champagnie
C
Victor Wembanyama
Sandro Mamukelashvili
Charles Bassey O
Jeremy Sochan
–
Atlanta Hawks Depth Chart
Position
Starter
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
PG
Trae Young
Keaton Wallace
Vit Krejci
Dyson Daniels
Kobe Bufkin
SG
Dyson Daniels
Vit Krejci
Garrison Mathews
Bogdan Bogdanovic
Zaccharie Risacher
SF
Zaccharie Risacher
Bogdan Bogdanovic
Vit Krejci
De’Andre Hunter
Garrison Mathews
PF
De’Andre Hunter
Dominick Barlow
Zaccharie Risacher
Mouhamed Gueye
David Roddy
C
Onyeka Okongwu
Clint Capela
Larry Nance Jr.
Dominick Barlow
Mouhamed Gueye
As both teams look to overcome their recent struggles, the biggest question tonight would be: Will Trae Young be ready to lead the Hawks on the floor, or will the absences put the team at a disadvantage and how will the Hawks manage to get the win at home? Or will the Spurs take advantage of Atlanta’s depleted lineup? Tune in to find out.
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