Hawks Clinch Playoff Spot, Await First-Round Opponent

Atlanta will face either the Knicks or Cavaliers in the opening round.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:08pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting a basketball game or match, with players and the court broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes.The Hawks' playoff push is captured in a dynamic, cubist-inspired illustration that captures the intensity and energy of the team's postseason run.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Hawks have clinched a spot in the 2026 NBA playoffs, marking their first postseason appearance since 2021. The team will either be the fifth or sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, depending on the outcome of their final regular-season game against the Miami Heat on Sunday. They will then face either the New York Knicks or Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.

Why it matters

The Hawks' return to the playoffs is a significant milestone for the franchise, which has undergone a rebuilding process in recent years. Securing a top-six seed means the team will avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament, giving them a clearer path to the postseason. The first-round matchup against either the Knicks or Cavaliers will be a tough test, but the Hawks are confident in their growth and ability to compete at a high level.

The details

The Hawks clinched their playoff spot with a win over the Cavaliers on Friday. They still have one regular-season game remaining against the Heat on Sunday, which will determine whether they finish as the fifth or sixth seed. The top four seeds in the East are set, with the Pistons, Celtics, Knicks and Cavaliers all earning home-court advantage. The Hawks have faced both the Knicks and Cavaliers in recent games, giving them a chance to scout potential first-round opponents.

  • The Hawks' final regular-season game is on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The NBA playoffs will begin in the days following the conclusion of the regular season.

The players

Quin Snyder

Head coach of the Atlanta Hawks.

CJ McCollum

Guard for the Atlanta Hawks.

Dyson Daniels

Guard for the Atlanta Hawks.

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What they’re saying

“We've grown a lot, man. We've had a lot of conversations behind closed doors, watched a lot of film. We communicate at a high level. We hold each other accountable, and we aren't afraid to ask questions.”

— CJ McCollum, Guard, Atlanta Hawks

“The guys are happy. You know, all this means is Atlanta (not) being in the play-in tournament. So I'm just glad we get out of that. (But) job's not done. We got a lot ahead of us. We don't want to be a first-round exit.”

— Dyson Daniels, Guard, Atlanta Hawks

What’s next

The Hawks will face either the Knicks or Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs, with the specific matchup to be determined by the outcome of their final regular-season game against the Heat on Sunday.

The takeaway

The Hawks' return to the playoffs is a testament to the team's growth and development over the past few seasons. While they will face a tough first-round opponent, the Hawks are confident in their ability to compete at a high level and make a deep postseason run.