The Eastern Conference has a very strong argument to be the more talented of the two.
Of course, it ramps up in competitiveness as soon as the Atlanta Hawks are looking to make some real noise and contend sooner rather than later. No run comes easily, and if they want a shot at contention, they'll have to get through many teams with similar aspirations.
Among those teams is the Philadelphia 76ers - the summer's headlining franchise - who completely reshaped their roster outlook heading into the 2026-27 season. Atlanta finished above them in the standings last season, and if they were to again this time around, it would come as a much more accomplished feat.
The first highly-anticipated meeting between them has been revealed
On Thursday afternoon, the NBA revealed each team's full schedule for the forthcoming year.
While the primetime matchups between the league's most glamorous franchises are taking up much of the attention, Atlanta and Philadelphia's first meeting on January 4 will be nothing short of a thriller.
That's right. Barring a meeting in the final two games of the NBA Cup, the first time the Hawks will run into the new-look 76ers will be in early-2027.
This comes as a bit of a disappointment, as many are rightfully anticipating a slow start in Philadelphia. It would be nice if Atlanta got a shot to take advantage. As the season begins to hit its most critical stretch, though, if they're at full health - they're going to be a force to be reckoned with.
A team with LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in the starting lineup could be terrifying.
Luckily for the Hawks, though, they've got an advantage over them that's not being talked about in the slightest. Continuity.
Atlanta was one of the league's best teams in the back-half of last season, and they'll be looking to carry that momentum into this one.
Hawks and 76ers could end up meeting in the postseason
Again, much of the Eastern Conference is made up of teams looking to not just compete, but contend.
There's only room for one winner, however, and it wouldn't come as a surprise to see the Hawks and 76ers meet again when it truly matters most.
Hopefully, their first matchup midseason will give fans a glimpse at what a potential series could look like. If both squads are healthy, it would likely be nothing short of an incredible battle.
Also, if they each sit near the top of the conference as they're expected to, there should be plenty of hype building in the days prior.
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