The Atlanta Hawks are hosting the New York Knicks on Saturday, and the stakes are high.
Atlanta has already secured a spot in the postseason, however, there remains some movement that can take place. The NBA even shared an updated look at the postseason chase as teams jockey for position.
For the Hawks, a loss to the Knicks on Saturday – or a Milwaukee Bucks win over the Miami Heat – locks Atlanta into the Play-In Tournament.
Postseason scenarios for Saturday, April 5 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/mUSSz6q62R
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 5, 2025
The Hawks enter the day 6.0 games back of the Bucks for the No. 6 seed, the highest the former can climb with the remaining schedule. Both teams have six games to go, so today’s matchup could settle plenty for both.
Hawks feeling the pressure from Southeast Division rivals
Further complicating matters for the Hawks, they have already surrendered the No. 7 seed to the Orlando Magic, and the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat remain within striking distance of overtaking them in the standings.
The Hawks are 1.0 games behind the Magic and will play them two more time before the regular season ends.
They will not face the Bulls or Heat again before the postseason.
The Hawks have so far split their regular-season series with all three teams, putting greater emphasis on their records in conference and against common opponents. It also underscores just how small the Hawks’ margin for error is.
Hawks faltering at inopportune time
The Hawks set out this season to prove their doubters wrong, and their postseason push would certainly qualify given what they have gone and put themselves through this season.
However, their goal is not the Play-In Tournament.
“It’s nowhere below the playoffs. That’s got to be our focus,” Hawks star Trae Young said during the “From The Point” podcast in February. “When we made these moves, and we got guys, obviously, from the Cavs – who were the No. 1 team at the time. And then you bring in T-Mann who’s – I don’t even think he’s ever not been in the playoffs. You got winners around you, so it’s like you got to win. You got to be in the playoffs, so that’s our main focus.”
The Hawks have dropped four of their last five games. Three of their five losses have come by double-digit points. They are already lean defensively, they cannot withstand extended scoring droughts.
The Hawks are taking on a Knicks team with whom they have also split the regular-season series, and who is coming off a loss.
New York expects to get star point guard Jalen Brunson back in the fold too.