Trae among 8 Hawks in protocols for Christmas matchup vs. Knicks

Star guard Trae Young is among eight Atlanta Hawks players in health and safety protocols for the team's Christmas Day game against the New York Knicks, the Hawks announced Friday.

Young tweeted not long after the team released its injury report:

Sharife Cooper, Wes Iwundu, Danilo Gallinari, Kevin Huerter, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Onyeka Okongwu, and Lou Williams are also in the protocols.

The Hawks received welcome news on Saturday morning, as big man Clint Capela cleared protocols and will play.

Meanwhile, forward Cam Reddish and guard Delon Wright are both probable to return from ankle sprains.

Young became the first Hawks player to enter protocols Dec. 19. The team signed five players to 10-day deals using hardship exemptions: veteran Lance Stephenson, G League forward Malcolm Hill, G League guards Malik Ellison, and Cat Barber, and Iwundu, who entered the protocols after playing one game.

If Young is required to serve the entire 10-day period in the protocols, he won't be eligible to return until Dec. 29 against the Chicago Bulls. Vaccinated players can return earlier if they produce consecutive negative COVID-19 test results taken at least 24 hours apart.

Young is averaging 27.3 points and 9.3 assists per game across 29 appearances for Atlanta.

The Hawks are scheduled to face the Knicks at 12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday.