Hawks Face Tough Schedule Stretch to Prove Contender Status

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The Atlanta Hawks have surged up the Eastern Conference standings with a 14-2 record since the All-Star break, including a 10-game home winning streak. However, the team's legitimacy as a contender will be tested by a difficult upcoming schedule featuring road games against the Pistons, Celtics, Magic, Cavaliers, and Heat, as well as home matchups with Boston, Cleveland, and New York.

Why it matters

The Hawks have been doubted by some who attribute their recent success to an easy schedule, so this challenging stretch will show whether Atlanta is a true contender or merely a pretender in the crowded Eastern Conference playoff race.

The details

Over their 10-game home winning streak, the Hawks have been dominant, averaging 122.4 points, 50.0 rebounds, 30.0 assists and 10.2 steals per game. They are the first team to reach those statistical benchmarks over a 10-game home span since the 1997 Chicago Bulls. However, the Hawks now face the 8th-toughest remaining schedule in the league, including games against several playoff-caliber teams in the East.

• The Hawks' 10-game home winning streak began on April 18, 2021 and lasted until November 1, 2021.
• Atlanta is 14-2 since the All-Star break, the best record in the Eastern Conference over that span.

What’s next

The Hawks' upcoming schedule will be a true test of their contender status, with road games against several playoff-caliber Eastern Conference foes. Their performance over the final stretch of the season will determine whether they can maintain their position in the top half of the East standings.