The NBA on Christmas. It's a beautiful sight to behold, for NBA fans and players alike – well, unless you're 40-year-old LeBron James, who seems aching to retire and join his family on the couch next year.
LeBron should consider Atlanta as an alternative to retirement. After all, they haven't gotten the opportunity to play on Christmas Day since 2021 in a showdown against the New York Knicks.
Jokes aside, Atlanta is in a bit of a drought. While being in a relatively large market would suggest Atlanta deserves a Christmas matchup, they've been confined to the play-in tournament the last few years. Their lack of consistent top-tier play simply isn't what families want to see when they switch the channel to Christmas basketball.
As a result, it's no surprise that Adam Silver has put the Hawks on his naughty list for four straight years – he likely fears his rating would dip in favor of movies that celebrate this joyous day. However, one key element can get Atlanta back on his nice list – and it doesn't involve bribing the jolly fellow with milk and cookies.
It's all about rekindling old rivalries for the Hawks
Rivalries, rivalries, rivalries. Nearly every NBA Christmas game features a pair of rivals that are sure to stir up players and fans into a heated battle, and some nice-looking TV ratings to boot.
If Atlanta wants to get back on the map for Christmas 2026, they have to rekindle a rivalry. To do this, though, they first have to become a serious postseason threat.
Take 2021, for example. The Hawks were fresh off their magnificent 2021 playoff run, where they embarrassed both the 76ers and the Knicks without homecourt advantage in either series. No doubt, even if the Knicks weren't available for Christmas, a matchup against the 76ers on Christmas would've been just as enjoyable to watch.
If Atlanta can sneak back into the playoff picture and go to a 7-game series against an Eastern Conference foe, their odds at getting a Christmas matchup against said foe – especially if they can emerge victorious – skyrocket. Otherwise, the NBA may pass on the Hawks yet again next season in favor of teams that have already inspired impressive ratings.
Look for the Hawks to make a push this year and soar past expectations. If they do, it wouldn't be any surprise if they land a coveted Christmas Day game next year.