Five games to Circle On The Atlanta Hawks 2025-2026 Schedule

The NBA has released its upcoming season schedule, highlighting five must-watch Atlanta Hawks games:

1. Opening Night vs. Toronto Raptors: Atlanta opens the season hosting the Raptors. This marks the first Atlanta appearance for former All-Stars Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes. It's also the debut game for new Hawks players Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander Walker, Luke Kennard, and Asa Newell. The Hawks aim to improve after losing twice to Toronto last season.

2. Home Game vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (October 25th): Early in the season, the Hawks host the defending NBA champion Thunder. This matchup serves as a significant early test for the young Hawks team. Key battles to watch include point guards Trae Young vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and big men Kristaps Porzingis vs. Chet Holmgren.

3. MLK Day vs. Milwaukee Bucks: This game is anticipated to be exciting, fueled by a competitive history since the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. Trae Young has stated he believes the Hawks would have reached the Finals that year if not for his injury against Milwaukee. Young has historically performed well against the Bucks, averaging 28 points and 10 assists, including a standout 30-point, 11-assist game on MLK Day 2022. The Bucks narrowly won their last high-stakes meeting in the 2023 In-Season Tournament Conference Finals.

4. Home Game vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Games featuring LeBron James or Luka Dončić in Atlanta are always notable due to their past historic performances against the Hawks (Dončić scored 73 points two seasons ago; James had a 39-point triple-double last season in an overtime loss). This game is particularly significant as it marks the first time Dončić and James will play together against the Hawks in Atlanta.

5. Away Game at New York Knicks (January 2nd): The Hawks face the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in a must-see contest. While not labeled a rivalry by the author (citing the Hawks' success in high-stakes games like playoffs and the In-Season Tournament with Trae Young), the game promises intensity due to the famously loud and prideful atmosphere generated by Knicks fans against Young and the Hawks.