LeBron James shocked the world when he announced he'd be heading back to the Eastern Conference - teaming up with Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in Philadelphia - for his 24th and (maybe) 25th NBA season.
When someone who's widely-regarded as one of the greatest basketball players to ever live seemingly has just a couple of years left in the league, any opportunity to come out and watch them play is a can't-miss event.
Well, if this upcoming season ends up being LeBron's grand exit, he'll only come to Atlanta to play the Hawks once during his unofficial farewell tour. That is, unless the two squads meet in the postseason, which would be a whole lot of fun.
James and the 76ers are set to visit Atlanta on MLK Day
Every year, minus a few odd exceptions, Atlanta gets to host a nationally-televised game at their home arena in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. - the late civil rights activist born in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 2025, they had to play an away game rather than hosting due to scheduling conflicts.
The tradition was altered, and pushback followed. Rightfully so. Trae Young - Atlanta's star point guard at the time - was among the most vocal in making sure they had a home game for the holiday the following season.
Last season, it came back to Atlanta, in a game that brought Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks into town. While the Hawks lost, it was good to have the event back where it should always be.
This year, the NBA wasted no time in announcing which opponent would be coming to Atlanta for one of their marquee matchups of the year.
A team who will very likely have the most nationally-televised games in the league this upcoming season - the 76ers as an opponent made perfect sense.
This will be the only time the 76ers visit Atlanta this season
While most in-conference teams play each other at least four times each season, there are a few who only see each other three times.
Among Atlanta's least-seen opponents, Philadelphia stands out. They'll only face off three times this upcoming season, and if they're as good as they're expected to be, Hawks fans should be grateful.
It's worth noting that Atlanta did sweep Philadelphia last season. The LeBron and JB-less Sixers, of course, but the point remains.
MLK Day in Atlanta is always a good time, and with LeBron James and the 76ers coming to town, it should make for a quality game, as well.
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