Atlanta Hawks Playoff Status and Complete 2025-26 Regular Season Schedule

The Atlanta Hawks concluded the 2025–26 NBA regular season with a 46–36 record, securing the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference. This performance allowed the team to bypass the Play-In Tournament and head directly into the first round of the NBA playoffs, which began on April 18, 2026. As the postseason progresses through late April and into May, the schedule remains dynamic, with specific game times and matchups determined by the advancement of teams through the playoff brackets. Fans looking for the immediate next game should monitor official broadcast partners for real-time updates as the Hawks navigate their postseason path.

Current 2026 Postseason Outlook

As of late April 2026, the Atlanta Hawks are actively engaged in their first-round playoff series. Finishing 6th in the Eastern Conference meant a challenging opening matchup against one of the top three seeds. The team’s ability to maintain a winning record throughout the grueling 82-game season has provided them with the momentum needed for this postseason run.

The playoff schedule is structured around a best-of-seven format. While the regular season schedule is fixed months in advance, playoff dates are subject to broadcast scheduling and arena availability. Typically, the higher-seeded team hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7, meaning the Hawks started their 2026 playoff journey on the road.

Complete 2025-26 Regular Season Schedule Breakdown

To understand how the Atlanta Hawks reached the 2026 playoffs, it is essential to look back at the full 2025-26 regular season schedule. The season featured significant milestones, including the Emirates NBA Cup, a heavy national television presence, and a demanding travel schedule that tested the roster's depth.

October 2025: The Season Launch

The Hawks opened their campaign at State Farm Arena with high expectations. The initial month was characterized by a mix of home openers and the start of divisional play.

October 22: Toronto Raptors at Atlanta (Opening Night)
October 24: Atlanta at Orlando Magic
October 25: Oklahoma City Thunder at Atlanta
October 27: Atlanta at Chicago Bulls
October 29: Atlanta at Brooklyn Nets
October 31: Atlanta at Indiana Pacers (Emirates NBA Cup Group Play)

The opening night victory against Toronto set a positive tone for the season. Playing two of the first three games at home allowed the roster to find its rhythm before embarking on their first multi-game road trip through Chicago and Brooklyn.

November 2025: NBA Cup and Western Road Trips

November was a pivotal month for the Hawks, featuring the bulk of the Emirates NBA Cup group stage games and the first extended West Coast swing.

November 2: Atlanta at Cleveland Cavaliers
November 4: Orlando Magic at Atlanta (NBC National Broadcast)
November 7: Toronto Raptors at Atlanta (Emirates NBA Cup)
November 8: Los Angeles Lakers at Atlanta
November 10: Atlanta at LA Clippers
November 12: Atlanta at Sacramento Kings
November 13: Atlanta at Utah Jazz
November 16: Atlanta at Phoenix Suns
November 18: Detroit Pistons at Atlanta (NBC National Broadcast)
November 20: Atlanta at San Antonio Spurs
November 22: Atlanta at New Orleans Pelicans
November 23: Charlotte Hornets at Atlanta
November 25: Atlanta at Washington Wizards (Emirates NBA Cup)
November 28: Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta (Emirates NBA Cup)
November 30: Atlanta at Philadelphia 76ers

The mid-month trip to face the Clippers, Kings, Jazz, and Suns was a significant test of the team's endurance. November also marked the return of the Hawks to NBC, with the November 4 game against Orlando being the first time the team appeared on the network since 1999.

December 2025: Holiday Home Stand

December provided the Hawks with a geographical advantage, as the schedule was heavily weighted toward home games at State Farm Arena. This period was crucial for building the win total that eventually secured their playoff spot.

December 1: Atlanta at Detroit Pistons
December 3: LA Clippers at Atlanta
December 5: Denver Nuggets at Atlanta
December 6: Atlanta at Washington Wizards
December 18: Atlanta at Charlotte Hornets
December 19: San Antonio Spurs at Atlanta
December 21: Chicago Bulls at Atlanta
December 23: Chicago Bulls at Atlanta
December 26: Miami Heat at Atlanta
December 27: New York Knicks at Atlanta
December 29: Atlanta at Oklahoma City Thunder
December 31: Minnesota Timberwolves at Atlanta

The five-game home stand in the latter half of the month allowed the team to recover from a busy November. Notable games included the visit from the defending champions and a New Year’s Eve afternoon clash with Minnesota.

January 2026: The Road Grind and MLK Day

January is traditionally one of the most difficult months in the NBA calendar, and the 2025-26 season was no exception for Atlanta. The team played 10 of their 16 games on the road.

January 2: Atlanta at New York Knicks (Prime Video)
January 3: Atlanta at Toronto Raptors
January 5: Atlanta at Toronto Raptors
January 7: New Orleans Pelicans at Atlanta
January 9: Atlanta at Denver Nuggets
January 11: Atlanta at Golden State Warriors
January 13: Atlanta at Los Angeles Lakers
January 15: Atlanta at Portland Trail Blazers
January 17: Boston Celtics at Atlanta
January 19: Milwaukee Bucks at Atlanta (MLK Day - Peacock)
January 21: Atlanta at Memphis Grizzlies
January 23: Phoenix Suns at Atlanta
January 26: Indiana Pacers at Atlanta
January 28: Atlanta at Boston Celtics
January 29: Houston Rockets at Atlanta
January 31: Atlanta at Indiana Pacers

The MLK Day matchup against Milwaukee remains a cornerstone of the Hawks' schedule, emphasizing the team's deep connection to the Atlanta community. The West Coast trip preceding this game was a grueling stretch that saw the team face Golden State and the Lakers in back-to-back city visits.

February 2026: All-Star Break and Rejuvenation

With the 2026 NBA All-Star Game taking place in Los Angeles on February 15, the schedule slowed down briefly, allowing players to heal before the final push.

February 3: Atlanta at Miami Heat
February 5: Utah Jazz at Atlanta
February 7: Charlotte Hornets at Atlanta
February 9: Atlanta at Minnesota Timberwolves
February 11: Atlanta at Charlotte Hornets
February 19: Atlanta at Philadelphia 76ers
February 20: Miami Heat at Atlanta
February 22: Brooklyn Nets at Atlanta
February 24: Washington Wizards at Atlanta
February 26: Washington Wizards at Atlanta

Post-All-Star break, the Hawks benefited from a home-heavy schedule, playing several games against Southeast Division rivals like Washington and Miami. These divisional wins proved vital in the Eastern Conference standings.

March 2026: The Playoff Push

March featured 10 home games out of 14, providing the Hawks with a platform to solidify their position in the top six of the East.

March 1: Portland Trail Blazers at Atlanta
March 4: Atlanta at Milwaukee Bucks (ESPN)
March 7: Philadelphia 76ers at Atlanta
March 10: Dallas Mavericks at Atlanta (NBC)
March 12: Brooklyn Nets at Atlanta
March 14: Milwaukee Bucks at Atlanta (Prime Video)
March 16: Orlando Magic at Atlanta (Peacock)
March 18: Atlanta at Dallas Mavericks
March 20: Atlanta at Houston Rockets
March 21: Golden State Warriors at Atlanta
March 23: Memphis Grizzlies at Atlanta (Peacock)
March 25: Atlanta at Detroit Pistons (ESPN)
March 27: Atlanta at Boston Celtics
March 28: Sacramento Kings at Atlanta
March 30: Boston Celtics at Atlanta

This month included critical national television appearances on ESPN and NBC. Facing powerhouse teams like Boston and Milwaukee late in the season gave the Hawks a taste of playoff-level intensity.

April 2026: Regular Season Finale

The final two weeks of the regular season were about seeding and health.

April 1: Atlanta at Orlando Magic (ESPN)
April 3: Atlanta at Brooklyn Nets
April 6: New York Knicks at Atlanta (Peacock)
April 8: Atlanta at Cleveland Cavaliers
April 10: Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta (Prime Video)
April 12: Atlanta at Miami Heat

The season ended with a road game in Miami, a common divisional rival. By the end of this game on April 12, the Hawks had clinched the 6th seed, setting the stage for their current playoff run.

Analysis of the 2025-26 Schedule Structure

The Hawks' schedule for this season was designed with several logistical factors in mind. Understanding these nuances explains how the team managed their energy levels to reach the postseason.

National Television Exposure

The Hawks were scheduled for 13 national television appearances during the 2025-26 season. This was a significant increase from previous years, reflecting the league's recognition of their star power and exciting style of play.

ESPN: 3 games
NBC/Peacock: 7 games (including 3 simulcasts)
Prime Video: 3 games

The return to NBC was particularly noteworthy for long-time fans, bringing a nostalgic feel to the modern era of Hawks basketball.

Back-to-Back Challenges

The 2025-26 schedule included 13 sets of back-to-back games for the Hawks. These are often the most difficult games for any NBA team due to travel and fatigue.

Home/Home: 2 sets
Home/Road: 1 set
Road/Home: 7 sets
Road/Road: 3 sets

The high number of "Road/Home" back-to-backs (where the team plays away one night and returns home the next) required disciplined recovery protocols.

Opponent Frequency

In the Eastern Conference, the Hawks played most opponents four times. However, due to the NBA's balanced scheduling, they only played Chicago, Milwaukee, and New York three times each (two home, one road). Conversely, they played Detroit, Indiana, and Philadelphia three times each (one home, two road). Every Western Conference team was played twice—once at home and once away.

Key Matchups That Defined the Season

Several games stood out as turning points in the 2025-26 schedule.

Opening Night vs. Toronto Raptors

Winning the season opener is always a psychological boost. The Hawks’ 7:30 p.m. tip-off on October 22 served as a statement of intent for the new year.

The MLK Day Tradition

Playing the Milwaukee Bucks on January 19 was more than just a game. As a 1:00 p.m. national broadcast on Peacock, it showcased Atlanta’s culture and the team's ability to compete with the league’s elite under a bright spotlight.

The Late March Duel with Golden State

The annual visit from Stephen Curry and the Warriors on March 21 is always a sell-out. This year, the game served as a litmus test for the Hawks’ defense just weeks before the playoffs.

How to Watch Atlanta Hawks Games

For the 2025-26 season, fans have multiple ways to follow the action, whether the team is playing a regular-season game or a high-stakes playoff matchup.

Local Broadcasts

Games not selected for exclusive national broadcast are televised and streamed on FanDuel Sports Network. This remains the primary home for local fans within the Hawks' television territory.

Radio Coverage

Every game, including the postseason, is aired on the Hawks’ radio flagship, Sports Radio 92.9 The Game. The legendary "Voice of the Hawks" Steve Holman provides the play-by-play, ensuring fans never miss a moment even when they can't be in front of a screen.

Streaming Options

With the expansion of the NBA's media rights, Peacock and Prime Video have become essential platforms for Hawks fans. Many of the team’s marquee matchups, including some playoff games, are available through these streaming services.

Summary of the 2025-26 Journey

The Atlanta Hawks' 2025-26 season has been defined by resilience and strategic scheduling. From the opening tip in October to the final buzzer of the regular season in April, the team navigated 13 back-to-backs and multiple cross-country trips to earn their place in the 2026 NBA playoffs. With a 46–36 record and a direct entry into the postseason as the 6th seed, the Hawks have proven that they belong among the Eastern Conference's elite. As they continue their playoff run in late April 2026, the foundation laid during the regular season will be their greatest asset.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Atlanta Hawks' current record?

The Atlanta Hawks finished the 2025-26 regular season with a record of 46 wins and 36 losses.

Did the Hawks make the 2026 playoffs?

Yes, the Hawks secured the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference and are currently competing in the 2026 NBA playoffs.

Where can I find the 2026 playoff schedule for the Hawks?

Because playoff schedules are determined by the results of each round, fans should check the official NBA website or local sports news outlets for the most up-to-date game times and matchups.

How many national TV games did the Hawks have in 2025-26?

The Hawks were featured on national television 13 times during the 2025-26 regular season across platforms like ESPN, NBC, Peacock, and Prime Video.

When was the Atlanta Hawks' last regular season game?

The final game of the 2025-26 regular season took place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, against the Miami Heat.