It’s official: the 2026-27 NBA Schedule is upon us, and the Atlanta Hawks have a litany of interesting matchups that will serve as litmus tests.
1. Miami Heat on 10/28
Atlanta will face their first taste of real divisional rivalry on October 28th when the Hawks take on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat. Luckily, they’ll get two matchups against the Houston Rockets prior to, so the Hawks will be adjusted to superstar competition early.
However, the matchup against the Heat will carry more weight since it’ll be the first of four matches against the Hawks. The two-time MVP averages 23.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 41 games versus the Hawks in his career.
Now he’ll have Bam Adebayo in the same frontcourt, and Erik Spoelstra on the sideline. Spoelstra has always given the Hawks trouble, with a 43-28 record against them in his coaching career, and the three-time champion has a top-five player yet again.
Playing against the trio four times will offer valuable insight into a potential playoff matchup. We’ll see how well Jalen Johnson deals with the physicality of the 31-year-old superstar, and this factor is massive, since Johnson would guard Giannis in a playoff setting.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers on 10/29
The Hawks will face Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers the following evening. It’ll be difficult for a multitude of reasons, but largely due to the back-to-back for the Hawks.
Dealing with James Harden, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley while fatigued is a recipe for disaster. At least the early-season adversity will condition the Hawks to push through for the victory.
It’s the sixth game of the season, so we’ll have a healthy five-game sample size heading into the early season skirmish. The Hawks and Cavs will meet four times in different parts of the season.
The spaced-out dates give both teams time to make adjustments, creating anticipation for their season series. Cleveland has more respect than Atlanta from the media, so the Hawks have four chances to prove they're up to par.
Gaining experience against this new Cavs team is crucial since they’re a potential playoff opponent. Both teams are interchangeable as the fourth and fifth seeds, so it’s within the realm of possibility.
3. New York Knicks rematch on 11/29
Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks have set the bar high after their electric postseason run last season. It’s easy to believe that the Hawks will have this date circled on their calendars, and for good reason.
They gave the defending champions their hardest test on the way to their first title in 53 years. Now, the Hawks have a chance to build off the potential they showcased in six playoff games.
It was a mental and physical test for the NBA’s third-youngest team. Now, they have the chance to apply their teachings. Another key factor of this matchup will be the Hawks’ improved depth.
Players like Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins will provide big minutes for Atlanta. Having two solidified veterans would’ve made a massive difference last year against New York, and now the Hawks have better bench depth as well.
While the Knicks lost Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics in free agency, the Hawks added Zuby Ejiofor and Henri Veesaar to their frontcourt rotation. They also re-signed Jock Landale, who would’ve been huge for the Hawks last April.
Both teams will face off four times this season, with the final meeting on April 6, 2027. It’s poetic since it’ll take place right before the Playoffs, and Atlanta can face the reigning champions with the confidence of prior victories if they perform.
4. Philadelphia 76ers on 01/04
The most pivotal matchup in the first half of the schedule is the first game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Hawks will gather useful data during the regular-season matchups, most notably on the Sixers' unique offense.
All five of their starters can spread the floor and attack inside, giving each Hawk their own respective test. Building defensive habits early will be mandatory since the Sixers will be a vicious opponent come playoff time.
LeBron James and Jaylen Brown are proven playoff risers, and so is Tyrese Maxey. We saw him average 26.9 points per contest while leading the Sixers back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Brown and the Celtics last postseason.
Not to mention Joel Embiid’s improved health, giving the Hawks four All-Stars to worry about.
It’s not surprising, seeing how they have three future first-ballot Hall of Famers. If the Hawks are serious about winning an NBA title, they have no choice but to slay this blue dragon.
LeBron signed a two-year deal, and having more help now could extend his career even longer. So, if Atlanta wins two of its three meetings, we’ll know how the Hawks can compete with the Sixers long-term.
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