Atlanta Hawks Spend Most Days in NBA Play-In Range

Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls trail the Hawks in days spent in the play-in zone.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and gold representing the fragmented and unpredictable nature of the Hawks' play-in tournament appearances.The Atlanta Hawks' prolonged stay in the NBA play-in range reflects the team's struggle to consistently perform at a high level and secure a guaranteed playoff spot.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Hawks have spent a total of 614 days in the NBA play-in range since the 2020-21 season, according to Hoops Hype reporter Lev Akabas. This is approximately 25% more days than the second-place Golden State Warriors, who have spent the second-most days in the play-in zone over the same period.

Why it matters

The play-in tournament was introduced by the NBA in 2020 as a way to increase late-season drama and give more teams a chance at the playoffs. The Hawks' extended stay in the play-in range highlights the team's recent struggles to secure a guaranteed playoff spot, which has implications for their fanbase, revenue, and future roster decisions.

The details

Akabas' analysis shows the Hawks have spent 614 days in the play-in range since 2020-21, well ahead of the Warriors at 491 days and the Chicago Bulls at 448 days. This means the Hawks have hovered around the 7th-10th seeds in the Eastern Conference for a significant portion of the last three seasons, fighting to avoid the play-in tournament.

  • The play-in tournament was introduced by the NBA in the 2020-21 season.
  • The Hawks have spent 614 days in the play-in range since the 2020-21 season.

The players

Lev Akabas

A reporter for Hoops Hype who analyzed the number of days NBA teams have spent in the play-in tournament range.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Atlanta Hawks have spent a total of 614 days in the play-in range of the NBA standings since 2020-21 That's ~25% more days than the #2 team, the Golden State Warriors, which just surpassed the Chicago Bulls”

— Lev Akabas, Reporter

What’s next

The Hawks will look to break out of the play-in range and secure a guaranteed playoff spot in the 2023-24 season, as they aim to build on their 2021 Eastern Conference Finals appearance.

The takeaway

The Hawks' extended stay in the NBA's play-in tournament range underscores the team's recent inconsistency and struggle to solidify a top-6 playoff position in the Eastern Conference. This will be a key area of focus for the franchise as they look to return to the postseason with more certainty.