With the NBA regular season winding down, the Atlanta Hawks find themselves in a tight race for a postseason spot. The past few years have been a rollercoaster, and this season is no different. But with a few games left, there’s still a pulse. Let’s break down where the Hawks stand, what they’re up against, and whether they can claw their way into the playoffs.
Current Standing: A Play-In Pathway
As of today, the Hawks are clinging to the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 37–41. That puts them in the middle of the NBA’s Play-In Tournament zone, where seeds 7 through 10 battle it out for the final two playoff spots.
If the season ended today, Atlanta would likely face the seventh-seeded Orlando Magic in the first Play-In game. A win would put them in the playoffs as the seventh seed, while a loss would push them into a do-or-die matchup. No easy paths here, but nothing’s locked in either.
From a betting perspective, the Hawks‘ betting odds reflect that cautious optimism. According to FanDuel, Atlanta is currently -170 to make the playoffs, showing that oddsmakers still lean in their favor. However, their championship hopes are far less convincing—+100,000 to win it all—highlighting just how steep the climb would be if they did sneak in.
Their playoff chances are solid but not locked in. Every remaining game matters, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
Key Players: Trae Young’s Heroics
No surprises here—Trae Young continues to be the heartbeat of this team. He’s averaging 24.1 points and a league-best 11.6 assists per game, and he’s still got that killer clutch gene. Just a few days ago, he dropped a season-high 38 points in a tight win over Orlando, reminding everyone what he’s capable of.
Unfortunately, forward Jalen Johnson is out for the rest of the season with a torn shoulder labrum. That’s a huge blow, especially on the defensive end and in transition.
To help fill the gap, the Hawks added Caris LeVert and Georges Niang in a mid-season trade with Cleveland. LeVert brings scoring and experience off the bench, while Niang stretches the floor with solid three-point shooting. Rookie Zaccharie Risacher has been a bright spot, too, recently putting up 36 points against the Bucks. He’s raw but promising.
Challenges Ahead: Consistency and Defense
Atlanta’s most significant obstacle? Consistency. One night, they look like playoff threats; the next, it’s a defensive mess.
They’re giving up 119.5 points per game, which ranks near the bottom of the league. Opponents regularly find easy buckets due to blown coverages, and the Hawks often lose the rebounding battle.
Another concern is their reliance on perimeter shooting. While Atlanta boasts solid three-point shooters like Young and Niang, they’ve been inconsistent from beyond the arc. In games where their shots don’t fall, they struggle to generate points in other ways—particularly in transition or inside the paint.
Staying updated with the latest NBA news is crucial for the Hawks’ coaching staff and players, as it provides insights into opponents’ strategies, player injuries, and league trends that could impact their game preparations and adjustments.
The Playoff Picture: What Lies Ahead?
If the Hawks survive the Play-In, their reward will likely be a first-round matchup with a top-tier team like Cleveland or Boston. That’s not ideal.
Cleveland boasts one of the league’s most efficient defenses, with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen locking down the paint. Boston? They’ve got MVP-level talent in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown and a deep bench. It’s a tall order, especially for a team still trying to figure itself out defensively.
In last year’s playoffs, Atlanta fell in the first round—again to Boston—despite some fireworks from Young. To go further this time, they’ll need more than heroics. They’ll need buy-in, balance, and a lot of defensive hustle.
A Legacy of Resilience
Say what you will about the Hawks, but they’ve always had a scrappy streak. They’ve never been afraid to punch above their weight, from their lone title in 1958 to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals run.
This team still carries that DNA. If Young stays hot, and guys like Risacher, LeVert, and Niang step up, Atlanta has the tools to make it enjoyable—especially in a Play-In setting where chaos can reign.
What Comes Next?
A deep playoff run? Maybe not. But a shot at the postseason? Still very much in play.
If Atlanta wants to get there—and do more than just show up—they’ll need to tighten up on defense, rebound with more intent, and share the scoring load. The margin for error is thin, but the door’s still open.
And in Atlanta, that’s often all it takes.
