The Atlanta Hawks seem ready to elevate beyond mediocrity following a series of shrewd summer acquisitions. Over the past five seasons, they have maintained a .500 record with a tally of 201-199, but now they appear to have the essential support for Trae Young needed for a significant playoff run. Young’s defensive skills have improved, the team is healthy, and an open Eastern Conference has local fans buzzing in anticipation of the upcoming season. Will the Hawks face the play-in tournament for a fifth consecutive season, or will this be the moment they take the leap toward becoming a true NBA contender?
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Atlanta Hawks Offseason Overview
Despite Trae Young never having an All-Star teammate throughout his career, one cannot fault Atlanta’s front office for their efforts. After the underwhelming addition of DeJounte Murray, the Hawks have targeted Kristaps Porzingis as the piece they were missing. Porzingis has shown he can dominate on both ends of the floor when healthy, offering versatility that gives the Hawks a fresh offensive outlook. The Latvian forward achieved a career-high 41.2% shooting from three-point range last season, although he fell below 20 PPG for the first time since 2017. His offensive arsenal will alleviate some scoring pressure from Trae Young, allowing for new strategic lineups with Porzingis integrated into the game plan.
Another significant offseason grab was Nickeil Alexander-Walker. A valuable rotation player for the Timberwolves last season, Alexander-Walker fits perfectly as a three-and-D player in the Hawks’ lineup. With Dyson Daniels already boosting perimeter defense, Alexander-Walker’s addition solidifies the team’s bench strength in this crucial area.
While the Hawks effectively strengthened their roster, they also faced departures over the offseason. Clint Capela, a five-season starter in Atlanta, was allowed to move on due to his limited offensive skills. Additionally, Caris LeVert played a vital role for the Hawks, while Terance Mann, Georges Niang, and Larry Nance Jr. were also traded to bring in fresh talent.
Atlanta Hawks Season Outlook
The Atlanta Hawks aim to break into the top six of the Eastern Conference, having participated in the play-in tournament for four straight seasons. Given the Eastern Conference’s lack of formidable contenders, this is a realistic objective for the Hawks. Their future success will depend on Trae Young’s performance and the emergence of a genuine co-star. Young’s ability to keep his team away from the lottery, despite lacking an All-Star partner, is truly remarkable. While his defense was once a weak point, it has since improved significantly. He may not be on par with Dyson “The Great Barrier Thief” Daniels defensively, but he is no longer the liability he used to be. Offensively, Young led the team with an average of 24.2 points per game, along with a career-high 11.6 assists—making him the driving force behind Atlanta’s offense and facilitating high-quality shots for his teammates.
Dyson Daniels made headlines with his impressive defensive stats, leading the league with 3.0 steals per game. However, the season’s outlook is heavily reliant on Jalen Johnson’s recovery. Johnson’s season was cut short due to a shoulder injury, but he is anticipated to be ready for the upcoming season. His defensive prowess and offensive capabilities could make him the much-needed co-star alongside Young. Although not an offseason addition, his return marks a significant change for the team’s dynamics.
Atlanta Hawks Schedule Analysis
The Hawks will face a challenging start to the new season, with 11 of their initial 17 games scheduled as away matches. Their six home fixtures will feature tough opponents, including the Thunder, Lakers, Magic, Pistons, and two games against the Raptors. Early challenges abound, but staying competitive is vital if they want to avoid another play-in appearance. They will enjoy a homestand during the holiday season but will then embark on a stretch of seven away games in early January.
Atlanta Hawks Betting Odds
This season looks promising for the Atlanta Hawks, boasting a projected win total of 47.5. The team hasn’t eclipsed 48 wins since 2016, placing the onus on their performance during the opening segment of the schedule. If they can maintain a near .500 stance through their first 20 games, they will set themselves up for a serious push towards the upper tier of the East. The odds of needing the play-in tournament for a fifth consecutive year are at +220, attributed to their -670 odds for postseason qualification with a higher seed. In the NBA Cup, the Hawks face a challenging group with the Cavaliers, Pacers, Raptors, and Wizards. Both Atlanta and Cleveland are strong competitors in the East, and they hold +190 odds to win their group, with +1400 odds on winning the NBA Cup. In terms of postseason playoff aspirations, Atlanta has +1000 odds to clinch the Eastern Conference title, ranking among the lower odds. Their championship odds are observed at +3000.
2025-26 Atlanta Hawks Predictions and Top Bets
There’s no questioning that the Hawks could present their strongest lineup of the decade. With ample support surrounding Trae Young, they are positioned for a solid playoff run, especially considering the lack of dominant teams within the East. For the regular season, betting on over 47.5 wins at -110 is a sound choice, yet I lean towards securing higher odds for a more substantial return. Instead, consider the Hawks for 50+ wins at +150. The weak Eastern Conference will keep them competitive throughout the season, and they’ve demonstrated their ability to defeat weaker opponents. Regarding the NBA Cup, the odds don’t justify a wager on the Hawks, given their pairing with the Cavaliers in East Group A. However, the playoffs present a different scenario. The Eastern Conference remains wide open, making a bet on the Hawks to represent the East at +1000 significantly appealing as we step into the season. With their successful roster overhaul in the offseason, the recovery of Jalen Johnson, and newfound momentum, the Hawks seem primed for a significant playoff breakthrough.
Top Pick: Atlanta Hawks 50+ Regular Season Wins +150
Pick: Atlanta Hawks to Win the Eastern Conference +1000
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