The Atlanta Hawks closed out the 2025-26 regular season with a 46-36 record, clinching the Southeast Division and securing a playoff berth.
A New Identity Takes Shape
Their style of play leaned on a fast-paced offense that averaged 118.5 points per game, while a revamped defensive scheme placed them ninth in efficiency league-wide.
Midseason trades reshaped the backcourt, with Trae Young moving to Washington and veteran scorers CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert arriving in Atlanta, adding depth and experience.
The team also bolstered its frontcourt by acquiring Jalen Johnson, who erupted for 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game, earning All-NBA Third Team honors and an All-Star nod.
Defensive standouts such as Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker anchored the perimeter, with Daniels earning All-Defensive Second Team recognition, while newcomer Luguentz Dort brought a reputation for lockdown perimeter defense.
Additional signings like Zuby Ejiofor, Henri Veesaar and two-way guard Jalen Wilson deepened the bench, giving the coaching staff a versatile rotation heading into the postseason.
Injuries remain a concern; Mouhamed Gueye is recovering from foot surgery and Jock Landale is working his way back from a lingering ailment, both of which could test the squad’s depth.
The schedule ahead features early-season battles against Orlando, New York and Washington, but the Hawks are expected to finish around 47-35 and could win a first-round series before potentially exiting in the semifinals.
Betting markets have priced Atlanta at +270 to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals—a figure many analysts view as undervalued given the team’s improved roster and favorable odds.
Despite being overlooked by oddsmakers, the Hawks are widely regarded as the most improved team in the East, and their blend of speed, defense and depth makes a title run far from implausible.