Atlanta Hawks five most anticipated home games of 2017-18
By Phil Veasley
The 2017-18 Atlanta Hawks schedule was released Monday Evening.
Nearly a week after the NBA “leaked” the opening and Christmas Day games, the full schedule was finally released. In a scheduling oddity, the Atlanta Hawks will not have their home opener until a full week and a half after the season starts. Atlanta’s first five games will take place on the road with the home opener coming Friday October, 27th vs. the Denver Nuggets.
To no surprise, the Atlanta Hawks have zero National TV games this year. Down from eight last year. Seventeen of the 41 home games will occur on the weekend. Here are the five home matchups that no Hawks fan can afford to miss.
Oklahoma City Thunder Vs Atlanta Hawks
Tuesday March 13th. 7:30 PM
Arguably the most exciting player in the NBA comes to town with his new All-Star teammate Paul George. After posting a NBA record 42 triple doubles last year, Russell Westbrook will likely be a hot ticket in every arena. Despite being a weeknight date, expect a raucous sell out crowd for this riveting matchup.
Cleveland Cavaliers Vs Atlanta Hawks
Friday February 9th. 7:30 PM
It’s always a hot ticket whenever the Cleveland Cavaliers come to town. Over the past decade the Hawks tend to play LeBron James fairly well at home, in the regular season I must add. The atmosphere is also playoff like due to Atlanta Hawks fans having to drown out the roars of the Lebron fans. All of these factors combined with the return of former fan favorite Kyle Korver make this a can’t miss night at Philips Arena.
Boston Celtics Vs Atlanta Hawks
Saturday November 18th. 7:30 PM
Similar to with the Cavaliers, there are a lot of Celtics fans here in Atlanta. Thus, creating a playoff like atmosphere whenever they come to town. It will be interesting to see how former Hawk Al Horford is received by the Hawk crowd a full season after bolting for BeanTown.
Washington Wizards Vs Atlanta Hawks
Wednesday December 27th. 7:30 PM
Since the playoff matchup in 2015, the Hawks and Wizards have been rivals. Several Wizards players have been very outspoken on their disdain for the Hawks. The chirping seemed to take to a new level back in April during the six game series. Despite the large talent gap this year, these two teams should make for some intriguing basketball, especially in Atlanta.
Denver Nuggets Vs Atlanta Hawks
Friday October 27th. 7:30 PM
Normally, the home opener would be on this list regardless. But this isn’t be a normal home opener. It’s also the return of Four-time All Star Paul Millsap. Typically one of the best crowds of the year will have an extra layer of intrigue. Most fans will be cheering for Paul Millsap to have a great game in addition to getting to see a totally new Hawks team in a revamped Philips Arena.