Are Trae Young, Kristaps Porzingis, and N’Faly Dante Out for Hawks vs Pistons Injury Report?

The Pistons injury report for the matchup against the Atlanta Hawks outlines several notable absences ahead of the December 12 game in Detroit. Atlanta will again be shorthanded, with multiple rotation players officially ruled out.

Both teams released their injury reports on December 11, confirming that Atlanta will be without key starters and depth pieces. The absences continue to shape rotations for both sides.

Pistons Injury Report and Hawks Availability Breakdown

The Pistons injury report itself is relatively light, but the Hawks list is significant entering this matchup. According to the official report, Trae Young remains out with a right knee MCL sprain suffered on October 29. He has missed more than a month of action as Atlanta continues to manage his recovery carefully.

Kristaps Porzingis is also ruled out due to illness. The veteran center has already missed multiple games during Atlanta’s demanding travel stretch. His absence means Onyeka Okongwu is expected to start again in the frontcourt, handling extended minutes against Detroit’s interior players.

Rookie N’Faly Dante will miss the game while still in concussion protocol. The Hawks have taken a cautious approach, and no return date has been publicly confirmed. Jacob Toppin is also out following right shoulder surgery and remains without a firm timetable.

For Atlanta, these injuries come during a congested portion of the schedule. The Hawks have played significantly more road games than home contests and recently navigated two back-to-back sets involving travel. Despite that, they enter the game with a 14–11 record.

Detroit, meanwhile, benefits from facing a depleted opponent. The Pistons injury report does not list any new major concerns, allowing the coaching staff to maintain lineup continuity for this matchup.

Trae Young

What Trae Young’s Absence Means for Atlanta Right Now

The continued absence of Trae Young has reshaped Atlanta’s offensive identity. Jalen Johnson has emerged as the focal point, producing All-NBA level numbers and recording back-to-back triple-doubles during Young’s absence.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker has also taken on a larger role. Since entering the starting lineup, he has delivered multiple high-scoring performances while providing consistent perimeter defense. His development has helped stabilize the Hawks during a challenging stretch.

The question surrounding Young’s eventual return is not just medical. Reintegrating a ball-dominant guard into an offense that has found rhythm without him will require adjustment. Atlanta’s coaching staff has emphasized patience and balance as Young progresses through rehabilitation.

For now, the focus remains on short-term results. Atlanta snapped a brief three-game skid with a win over Washington and looks to build momentum despite missing multiple starters.

The Pistons injury report confirms Detroit will face a short-handed Hawks team again. Atlanta’s depth and recent cohesion will be tested until Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis are cleared to return.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Trae Young playing against the Pistons?

No. Trae Young is ruled out with a right knee MCL sprain. He has been sidelined since late October.

Q2: Why is Kristaps Porzingis out?

Porzingis is listed as out due to illness. He has missed several recent games.

Q3: Who is starting at center for the Hawks?

Onyeka Okongwu is expected to start again with Porzingis unavailable.

Q4: When could Trae Young return?

The Hawks have not announced a specific return date. His status continues to be evaluated.

Q5: Does Detroit have major injuries for this game?

The Pistons injury report does not list any new major absences entering the matchup.