The Atlanta Hawks are focusing on their core strengths for the upcoming NBA season after a difficult end to their 2026 campaign, which concluded with an 89-140 loss to the New York Knicks on April 30. Their recent form shows two wins and three losses in their last five games, but they lost their final three contests of that stretch. Despite this, the team is widely seen as a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference, having secured a top-six finish last season for the first time since 2021.
The Hawks' primary advantage remains their star backcourt of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Young's elite playmaking and scoring, combined with Murray's two-way ability, create a dynamic perimeter attack that few teams can match. This duo is the engine of the offense and will be counted on heavily to improve upon a recent stretch where the team allowed 126 and 140 points in consecutive losses to the Knicks.
Another significant strength is the team's improved depth, which was a focus this offseason. Last year's bench struggled, particularly in the playoffs. The front office has worked to address this through trades and acquisitions, bringing in defensive-minded players to bolster the second unit. A deeper rotation should help manage player minutes and provide more consistent production when the starters rest.
The interior presence, led by Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu, provides a solid foundation. Capela is a proven rebounder and rim protector, while Okongwu offers energy and developing offensive skills. Jalen Johnson's versatility as a forward who can handle the ball and defend multiple positions is also a major asset. This group's ability to control the paint and secure second-chance opportunities will be important for turning close games.
Their recent results against the Knicks-a series that included a 109-108 win and a 107-106 victory-show they can compete with top teams. However, the heavy defeats at the end, including a 126-97 loss on April 29, highlight areas that need tightening up. Consistency on defense will be a major point of emphasis moving forward.
With the core group returning and depth additions integrated, the Hawks are positioned to make another playoff run. The experience gained from last season's postseason, coupled with the hunger to advance further, is a driving force. The schedule ahead is challenging, and fans can track the upcoming matchups on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
The key will be translating regular season strengths into postseason success. Avoiding prolonged losing streaks like the recent three-game skid is necessary to secure a favorable playoff seed. If the depth plays as intended and the star players perform at their usual high level, the Hawks have every chance to be a tough out in the Eastern Conference playoffs next year.
