Atlanta Hawks Aim for Playoff Spot After All-Star Break

Team makes trade deadline move, faces easier schedule to close season

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Atlanta Hawks find themselves at 26-30 and in 10th place in the Eastern Conference at the All-Star break. After losing their last three games before the break, including two to the Hornets, the Hawks are now a half-game behind Charlotte for the 9th seed and three games back of Miami for the 8th seed. However, the Hawks have the fourth-easiest remaining schedule and could make a late push for a playoff spot.

Why it matters

The Hawks' playoff hopes are still alive, but they need to take advantage of their favorable remaining schedule and win key games against the teams ahead of them in the standings. A strong finish could earn them a spot in the play-in tournament and a chance at the postseason.

The details

The Hawks made a trade deadline move, sending Kristaps Porzingis to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield. Kuminga has the potential to give the Hawks a boost, while Hield is not expected to be a major part of the rotation. The Hawks have games remaining against several teams below them in the standings, including the Kings, Wizards, Nets, Mavericks, Grizzlies, and Bucks. Winning those games will be crucial for the Hawks' playoff push.

  • The Hawks currently have a 26-30 record at the All-Star break.
  • The Hawks have lost their last three games before the break, including two to the Hornets.
  • The Hawks have the fourth-easiest remaining schedule in the NBA.

The players

Kristaps Porzingis

A former Hawks player who was traded to the Golden State Warriors at the deadline.

Jonathan Kuminga

A young player acquired by the Hawks in the Porzingis trade, who has the potential to provide a boost to the team.

Buddy Hield

A player also acquired by the Hawks in the Porzingis trade, but is not expected to be a major part of the rotation.

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What’s next

The Hawks need to take advantage of their favorable remaining schedule and win key games against the teams ahead of them in the standings to earn a spot in the play-in tournament.

The takeaway

The Hawks have a chance to make a late-season push for the playoffs, but they will need to win games against weaker opponents and pick up key victories against the teams ahead of them in the standings. Their trade deadline move and favorable schedule give them a glimmer of hope, but they will need to play their best basketball down the stretch to secure a postseason berth.