Hawks Shake Up Starting Lineup Ahead of Nets Matchup

CJ McCollum to make first start for Atlanta as they look to gain ground in the standings.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 8:11pm

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The Atlanta Hawks are making a big change to their starting lineup ahead of their Sunday matinee matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. CJ McCollum will be inserted into the starting five, replacing Zaccharie Risacher, who will now come off the bench. The Hawks are looking to bounce back from a tough loss to the Miami Heat on Friday and take advantage of a stretch of home games against some of the NBA's worst teams.

Why it matters

The Hawks are currently hovering around .500 and need to make a push up the standings in the Eastern Conference. Inserting the veteran McCollum into the starting lineup could provide a spark as the team looks to gain ground on the top teams in the East.

The details

McCollum, in his 13th NBA season, will make his first start for the Hawks. He's been productive off the bench, averaging 18.3 points per game since joining the team in January. The Hawks' starting lineup will now be: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, CJ McCollum, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu. Risacher, the former No. 1 overall pick, will now come off the bench.

  • The Hawks face the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, February 26th.
  • Atlanta took the first matchup between these two teams on October 29th.

The players

CJ McCollum

A 13-year NBA veteran who was recently acquired by the Hawks. He will make his first start for the team on Sunday.

Zaccharie Risacher

The former No. 1 overall pick, who will now come off the bench after previously starting for the Hawks.

Jalen Johnson

The Hawks' All-Star forward who is averaging a triple-double over his last seven games.

Onyeka Okongwu

The Hawks' starting center who has emerged as one of the league's top shot-blocking big men.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

The Hawks' starting point guard who has been a consistent scorer and playmaker this season.

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What they’re saying

“We must take advantage of this home stretch and build some momentum heading into the final push of the season.”

— Nate McMillan, Hawks Head Coach

What’s next

The Hawks will look to build on this starting lineup change as they continue their homestand against the Nets and other struggling teams in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The Hawks are shaking up their starting lineup in an effort to spark the team and make a move up the standings. Inserting the veteran McCollum could provide a boost as the team looks to take advantage of a favorable home schedule against some of the NBA's weaker teams.