NBA: Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young back in action after 22-game absence

Atlanta Hawks star point guard Trae Young is set to return to action on Thursday night when the team visits the Charlotte Hornets, ending a 22-game absence due to injury.

Young, 27, has been sidelined since Oct. 29 after suffering a sprained right knee during a road victory over the Brooklyn Nets. He was initially expected to miss four weeks but required additional time to recover.

Before the injury, the four-time All-Star averaged 17.8 points and 7.8 assists in five games this season. He struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 19.2 percent (5 of 26) from three-point range.

Now in his eighth NBA season, Young owns career averages of 25.2 points, 9.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds across 488 regular-season games. He has made 1,282 three-pointers while shooting 35.1 percent from long range.

Young led the NBA in assists last season with an average of 11.6 per game, while also scoring 24.2 points in 76 appearances.

Despite his absence, the Hawks have remained competitive, posting a 13-9 record since Young was sidelined by the injury. -Field Level Media/Reuters