Eastern Conference Play-In Picture
The Atlanta Hawks hold the seventh seed while facing a challenging race in an Eastern Conference where the margin for error is slim. Positioned 5.5 games behind the sixth seed, the upper echelon appears out of reach, meaning the Hawks will have two opportunities in the play-in tournament to secure their postseason berth. With the Magic and the Bulls in close competition, the final standings might well be decided by key head-to-head matchups later in the season.
Navigating a Treacherous Schedule
In the upcoming 13 games, the Hawks face a mix of opponents. Matchups against teams such as the Sixers, Heat, Blazers, Mavericks, Jazz, and Nets present favorable challenges, complemented by two contests against the Magic. However, games against powerhouses like Golden State, Houston, Milwaukee, and New York are expected to test the team’s capabilities. Both the Hawks and their play-in rivals have demanding schedules stretching into the final stretch. Extended losing streaks could prove fatal in a dynamic race that is likely to come down to head-to-head encounters slated for early April.
Trae Young’s Resurgence and Impact
The cornerstone of the Hawks’ push is a healthier, more dynamic version of Trae Young. Despite managing Achilles tendinitis, he has elevated his game by averaging 24.1 points and a career-high 11.4 assists. His leadership on the court fuels an offense that scores 8.4 points more with him present. Young has honed his ability to draw fouls and convert them, boasting an elite free-throw percentage recently while improving his plus-minus numbers. His exceptional playmaking and strong pick-and-roll skills set him apart in an environment where facilitating and self-creation are essential for success in imminent playoff contests.
A Bench That Has Evolved
The Hawks’ second unit has seen significant improvement, morphing from a previously underwhelming rotation into one that brings both scoring and teamwork. New pieces like Caris LeVert and Georges Niang have bolstered the lineup, offering efficiency on scoring—LeVert is converting at a remarkable rate off his cuts—and the ability to elevate Young’s performance when paired together. Terence Mann and others offer complementary skill sets which improve shooting percentages and provide much-needed energy on both ends of the court. This enhanced depth gives Atlanta an edge over teams with less robust bench options, a factor that could be decisive in tightly contested play-in scenarios.
Defensive Upgrades and Rotational Cohesion
Recent roster changes have bolstered Atlanta’s defensive identity. The integration of youthful players has brought dynamic energy to the defensive end. A lineup featuring Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, and Onyeka Okongwu contributes both on offense and defense, with Daniels emerging as a standout defender noted for his extraordinary steal average and defensive box plus-minus. Okongwu’s steady presence in the paint and ability to guard versatile centers offer Atlanta a more balanced approach compared to previous iterations of the team. This collective improvement on defense is crucial in neutralizing opponents’ high-powered offenses.
Outlook for the Playoffs
While the Hawks are not expected to make a deep playoff run given existing defensive challenges and the injury setbacks that have limited their ceiling, there is a solid foundation for a competitive postseason presence. The combined resurgence of Trae Young, the evolved second unit, and the strategic deployment of young talent all contribute to making Atlanta a formidable threat in the play-in tournament. Achieving a steady balance on both ends of the court in the final stretch will be key to sealing either the seventh or eighth seed and positioning the team for a hard-fought battle in the playoffs.
