The final hours before tip-off have turned into a game of adjustments. The Atlanta Hawks visit the Toronto Raptors on Monday night at 7:30 ET with both teams navigating a crowded injury list that will shape rotations, pace, and perhaps the result. Toronto is a 2.5-point favorite at home, and the line reflects the biggest headline of the day: Trae Young is out.

Official NBA injury reports filed at 1:00 PM and 1:15 PM ET confirmed a busy ledger on both sides. For Atlanta, the absence of their All-Star guard removes a major source of shot creation and late-clock scoring. For Toronto, a thinned frontcourt and several key designations could mean more small-ball minutes and a heavier scoring load for their young stars.

Final injury report: who’s in, who’s out

Atlanta’s list is headlined by Young, ruled out with a right quadriceps contusion. The report notes, “Young is dealing with a quadriceps injury, and he will not be active against the Raptors on Monday.” Sharpshooter Luke Kennard is questionable with back soreness — and as the report states, “Kennard is dealing with a back injury, and it remains to be seen if he will be active against the Raptors on Monday.” The Hawks also have several players on G League assignment or two-way deals, which trims the available depth behind the starters.

• N’Faly Dante: Out (right knee, torn ACL)
• RayJ Dennis: Out (G League – two-way)
• Nikola Djurisic: Out (G League – on assignment); also listed with an elbow issue, no timetable
• Luke Kennard: Questionable (back soreness)
• Trae Young: Out (right quad contusion)
• Malik Williams: Out (G League – two-way)

Toronto’s chart skews heavy to the frontcourt. Center Jakob Poeltl is out with a lower-back strain. The report underscores the uncertainty around his return: “Poeltl left the last game due to a back injury, and there is no timetable for recovery.” Zach Collins (right first toe sprain) and Mason Plumlee (right groin surgery) are also out, leaving the Raptors light on traditional centers. On the perimeter, Josh Giddey (hip contusion) is questionable, Brandon Miller (left knee contusion) is probable, and rookie Tidjane Salaun (left ankle sprain) is questionable.

• Chucky Hepburn: Out (G League – two-way)
• Jakob Poeltl: Out (lower back strain)
• Zach Collins: Out (right first toe sprain)
• Noa Essengue: Out (left shoulder surgery)
• Trentyn Flowers: Out (right knee sprain)
• Josh Giddey: Questionable (right hip contusion)
• Brandon Miller: Probable (left knee contusion)
• Mason Plumlee: Out (right groin surgery)
• Tidjane Salaun: Questionable (left ankle sprain)

“No Trae, no Poeltl — this turns into Jalen vs. Scottie real fast.”

What Trae Young’s absence means for the Hawks

Without Young, Atlanta must rebuild its offense on the fly. He controls tempo, spacing, and pick-and-roll volume. That workload now tilts toward do-it-all forward Jalen Johnson, who is averaging 24 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 10 assists. Expect more touches for Johnson at the elbows and in transition, with secondary creation shared among the guards.

Kennard’s status looms large. If available, his shooting bends defenses and opens driving lanes. If he sits, Atlanta loses a spacer and a quick-hitter option off dribble-handoffs. The Hawks also won’t have depth reinforcements from the G League: Nikola Djurisic (on assignment) and two-way players RayJ Dennis and Malik Williams remain out, while big man N’Faly Dante is sidelined long-term (ACL).

On the margins, that changes how head coach might stagger minutes. Expect longer stints for reliable ball-handlers, a simpler playbook, and a premium on keeping turnovers low in a road setting. Atlanta is a respectable 11-9 away from home; composure will be key.

“If Kennard plays, the floor stretches. If he doesn’t, Toronto can pack the paint.”

Raptors’ frontcourt shuffle without Poeltl

Toronto’s challenge is different but just as big. With Poeltl, Collins, and Plumlee all out, the Raptors will have to mix size-by-committee or go small. That means more responsibility for rebound security and rim protection, areas where Poeltl is usually central. It also nudges Scottie Barnes into even more on-ball duties and defensive versatility. Barnes’s line (20 points, 10.5 boards, 7 assists) shows how much he already does; tonight, the load likely grows.

Two swing designations could swing the matchup: Josh Giddey (questionable, hip) would add ball-handling, pace, and drive-and-kick reads, while Brandon Miller (probable, knee) supplies shot-making and length on the wing. Tidjane Salaun’s availability (questionable) could also matter in spot minutes, especially to soak up fouls and guard mobile forwards.

Toronto’s task is to control the glass and keep fouls in check without their normal center depth. If they do, their home-court edge and balanced scoring should hold up.

“Raps are thin at the five, but Barnes can tilt this with pace and boards.”

Numbers and matchups to watch

Spread: Toronto -2.5. The market signals a tight game, even with Young out, likely because of Toronto’s frontcourt injuries. The late status of Kennard and Giddey could nudge this line either way.

• Pace and turnovers: With primary playmakers in question, both teams may simplify. The cleaner team probably wins.
• Three-point math: Kennard’s presence would boost Atlanta’s spacing. For Toronto, Miller’s “probable” tag helps their perimeter balance.
• Rebounding: No Poeltl, Collins, or Plumlee puts more weight on gang rebounding for the Raptors. If Atlanta wins the offensive boards, that can steal points.
• Star impact: Barnes vs. Johnson is the headline. Both fill the box score; whichever star finds rhythm first sets the tone.

How rotations could look

We won’t guess at starting fives, but the contours are clear. Atlanta should lean into Johnson as a hub and ride hot hands on the perimeter. If Kennard is cleared, he slots into movement threes and quick actions. If not, Atlanta may prioritize defense and size on the wing to protect the paint and run.

Toronto likely toggles between small and medium-sized lineups, with Barnes doing a bit of everything. If Giddey is in, Toronto’s ball movement and pace improve. Miller, listed as probable, is set to help with scoring and late-clock shot creation. Salaun, if available, can provide energy and length in spurts.

The stakes on January 5

The Hawks sit 10th in the East at 17-20. Every win matters to hold position and build momentum. The Raptors are 21-15, fourth in the East, and a steady home mark (11-8) suggests comfort in tight finishes. With injuries on both sides, the contest comes down to who adapts faster and makes fewer mistakes.

There’s no hiding from the absences. The reports tell the story plainly: Young is sidelined, Kennard is up in the air; Poeltl is out with no timetable; Collins and Plumlee remain unavailable. The official language sums it up: “Kennard is dealing with a back injury, and it remains to be seen if he will be active against the Raptors on Monday.” And for Toronto: “Poeltl left the last game due to a back injury, and there is no timetable for recovery.”

That puts the spotlight right where it belongs—on Barnes and Johnson, on the benches, and on the little plays that swing close games. Toronto has the edge on paper, but with this many moving parts, preparation and poise could outweigh talent.

Tip is at 7:30 ET. Set your lineup cards and keep an eye on those last-hour updates. On a night shaped by who’s missing, the team that best solves the puzzle may grab a meaningful January win.