The Atlanta Hawks host the New York Knicks on Friday, January 2, as injury availability is high at State Farm Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET in a rematch of a closely contested meeting in December.
Atlanta starts the night at 16-19 and is coming off a convincing 126-102 home victory over Minnesota on December 31. That performance followed a 128–125 loss to New York on December 27, which gave the Hawks the motivation to tie the season series.
New York arrives with a 23-10 record despite a 134-132 loss in San Antonio on December 31. The Knicks had won two straight prior to that setback, including a 130-125 victory in New Orleans on December 29.
The Hawks injury report is topped by the status of Trae Young, who is listed as questionable with a right side contusion. Young only played in 10 games this season but averaged 19.3 points and 8.9 assists, making his availability central to Atlanta’s offensive structure.
Atlanta will be without N’Faly Dante, who is out for the season with a torn right ACL. Several two-way players, including RayJ Dennis, Nikola Djurisic, Caleb Houstan and Malik Williams, are also listed as questionable due to G League assignments.
If Young is limited or unavailable, it is expected that Atlanta will continue to lean on Jalen Johnson, who leads the team with 24.0 points, 10.4 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu also provided consistent scoring and playmaking in expanded roles.
New York’s injury report lists a confirmed absence of Josh Hart, who is out with a sprained right ankle. Hart’s rebounding and perimeter defense were significant this season, averaging 8.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.
Mitchell Robinson is listed as questionable as he continues treatment for left ankle injuries, while Landry Shamet remains out with a right shoulder sprain.
The Knicks are still powered by Jalen Brunson, who is averaging 29.4 points and 6.6 assists over 30 games. Karl-Anthony Towns anchors the frontcourt with 21.9 points and 11.7 rebounds per game, providing matchup pressure against Atlanta’s internal rotation.
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