Ranking the 26 Remaining Games on the Atlanta Hawks’ Schedule
By Dallin Duffy
Taking a look at the 26 remaining games on the Atlanta Hawks’ schedule.
It’s a bittersweet time to be a Atlanta Hawks fan. Trae Young just capped off his first All-Star appearance after the team made some great moves at the Trade Deadline. The downside is there’s only 26 games left on the season.
Yes, the season is nearly 3./4 of the way done, and while the off-season should be fun, I’ll miss watching this young Hawks team.
Instead of being too sad, we’ll be taking a look at the post All-Star slate for Atlanta. Instead of simply previewing the remaining 26 games, I’ve broken them down in tiers, ranging from potential upsets to likely blowouts. Let’s get previewing:
Tier VI: Likely Blowouts
- @ Utah, 3/28
- @ Toronto, 4/10
- @ Milwuakee, 4/12
Analysis: No one likes to watch their team get blown out, and luckily for Hawks’ fans, this list is pretty short. The Hawks actually have the 4th easiest remaining schedule according to Tankathon, and only play these three heavyweights on the road late in their season. The Hawks have struggled mightily against good defensive teams this season, especially on the road. They’re likely to lose all these games, and could be considered a small win if they keep it close.
Tier V: Tank vs. Tank
- @ Washington, 3/6
- v. Charlotte, 3/9
- v. New York, 3/11
- v. Cleveland, 3/14
- @ Washington, 3/20
- @ Golden State, 3/25
- v. Charlotte, 4/3
- @ Charlotte, 4/5
- v. Detroit, 4/7
- v. Cleveland, 4/15
Analysis: Perhaps a byproduct of the Hawks’ easy 2nd half schedule, this was easily the most full tier. Multiple match ups remain with the lone Eastern Conference team with a worse record currently – the Cavs – and they “get” to play Charlotte thrice more. The game to end the season between Atlanta and Cleveland could have major repercussions when it comes to Lottery odds.
Tier IV: Old Friends
- v. Brooklyn, 2/28
- v. OKC, 3/18
- @ Sacramento, 3/26
Analysis: It’s always to see old friends, right? Taurean Prince returns to Atlanta with the Nets on the 28th, with former fan favorites Dennis Schröder and Mike Muscala returning with the Thunder on the 18th of March. The Hawks make a trip to Sacramento to face Kent Bazemore, Alex Len, and Jabari Parker later on in the month. Dewayne Dedmon could look forward to this revenge game, as it seems he was not happy in Sac-Town.
Tier III: Leap Year Day
- v. Portland, 2/29
Analysis: Not much analysis to be done here. I just think it’s real fun the Hawks play on a day that only exists every four years. They last played on that day back in 2012.
Tier II: Potential Upsets
- v. Miami, 2/20
- @ Philadelphia, 2/24
- v. Orlando, 2/26
- @ Philadelphia, 3/21
Analysis: Now we’re talking. The Hawks could easily beat any of these three current playoff teams, with them already knocking off Philly and Orlando earlier in the season. Former Sixer assistant Lloyd Pierce has had his old team’s number since becoming Atlanta’s head coach, carrying a 4-2 record into these last two match ups this season.
Tier I: The Future Is Now
- v. Dallas, 2/24
- v. Memphis, 3/2
- @ Memphis, 3/7
- @ New Orleans, 3/16
- v New Orleans, 3/31
Analysis: The Hawks have one of the brightest young cores in the league, and it’s always fun to see them matched up with fellow up-and-coming teams. We get our first Luka v Trae since last season with Doncic missing the first this season with injury. The two were pretty chummy over All-Star break so we’ll have to see if they bring the competitiveness back in this one.
Atlanta has yet to square off with either Memphis nor New Orleans this season, who carry the best two rookies in the league. Zion and Ja are both captivating watches, and seeing them match up with Trae Young and John Collins should be fun. These games provide the best combination of a fun game and a Hawks win.
Next. NBA State of the Tank. dark
The Hawks get back into action on the 20th first against the Heat in Atlanta.