{"id":187381,"date":"2026-04-06T18:13:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:13:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=187381"},"modified":"2026-04-07T06:59:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T10:59:09","slug":"atlanta-hawks-face-tough-schedule-to-clinch-playoff-spot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/04\/06\/atlanta-hawks-face-tough-schedule-to-clinch-playoff-spot\/","title":{"rendered":"Atlanta Hawks Face Tough Schedule To Clinch Playoff Spot"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Atlanta Hawks held a play-in spot for most of the 2025-26 season, but that is no longer the case. With just four games left, they sit fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 45-33 record. The Hawks went 13-2 in March, which included an impressive 11-game win streak, to vault themselves into a playoff position. Jalen Johnson<\/a> emerged as an All-Star and potential All-NBA talent, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker<\/a> continues to impress in a career-best season.<\/p>\n

However, Atlanta cannot look too far ahead because it can still fall back into the play-in. The Hawks face the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers twice, and Miami Heat to close out the regular season. They will certainly be tested to earn a top-six seed for the first time since 2021.<\/p>\n

Atlanta Hawks Face Tough Schedule To Clinch Playoff Spot<\/h2>\n

Taking a Closer Look at the Knicks and Cavaliers Season Series<\/span><\/h3>\n

The top four teams in the Eastern Conference already punched their tickets to the playoffs, but not all of them are locked into their current seeds. Cleveland sits four games ahead of the Hawks in fourth at 49-29. While unlikely, Atlanta can still sneak its way into the No. 4 seed. However, the Hawks must go undefeated this week, and the Cavaliers must lose all four of their games. Cleveland’s battle lies more with New York, as the Knicks remain just one game ahead at 50-28.<\/span><\/p>\n