Hawks star cleared for practice, contact ahead ahead of play-in tournament

Hawks star guard Trae Young has been cleared for team practice and contact, according to a team press release.

Young underwent hand surgery on Feb. 25 after sustaining a left fifth finger torn ligament on Feb. 23 during a home game against Toronto. He had his six-week follow-up evaluation on Monday.

The Hawks are locked into the Eastern Conference’s 9-10 play-in tournament game against the Bulls, though home court for that April 17 game has yet to be determined. Young’s potential return could have a significant impact in that tournament. The Hawks have done well enough without Young, going 12-10 since he was sidelined.

Young stated in a podcast last week that he was optimistic he could return soon. “Hopefully next week I can make a fist and I can get out of this cast. And then I can play,” he said at that time. “So hopefully next week.”

An All-Star this season for the third time in his career, Young is averaging 26.4 points and a career-high 10.8 assists this season in 51 games (36.5 MPG), with a shooting line of .426/.371/.856.