Hawks Maintain Playoff Position Despite Recent Losses

Atlanta still holds the 5th seed in the East, but a play-in spot remains possible.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy, green, and red conveying the dynamic energy and tension of the Hawks' playoff push.The Hawks' recent losses have complicated their path to the playoffs, but they remain in control of their postseason destiny.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Hawks have lost their last two games, but they still hold the 5th seed in the NBA's Eastern Conference playoff race. With just two games left in the regular season, the Hawks' chances of avoiding the play-in tournament are narrowing, but they remain in strong position to clinch a postseason berth.

Why it matters

The Hawks have been fighting to secure a top-6 seed and avoid the play-in tournament, which would require them to win an extra game to make the playoffs. Despite the recent losses, they still control their own destiny, but they'll need to finish strong to lock up a guaranteed playoff spot.

The details

After winning their previous two games, the Hawks have now lost back-to-back contests against the Knicks and Cavaliers. However, they still hold the 5th seed in the East, giving them a clear path to the playoffs as long as they can hold off the teams behind them in the standings.

  • The Hawks lost to the Knicks on Monday, April 7, 2026.
  • The Hawks then lost to the Cavaliers on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

A Hawks player who celebrated a recent win over the Celtics.

Onyeka Okongwu

A Hawks player who celebrated a recent win over the Celtics.

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What’s next

The Hawks have two games remaining in the regular season. They will need to win at least one of those games to clinch a spot in the playoffs and avoid the play-in tournament.

The takeaway

Despite the recent losses, the Hawks remain in a strong position to make the playoffs. As long as they can win one of their final two games, they will secure a top-6 seed and avoid the play-in tournament, giving them a clear path to the postseason.