The Atlanta Hawks are sitting at a 30-31 record, and while that might not scream success, there's still a glimmer of hope for this team to make a push. At the start of the season, the Hawks looked like potential contenders.
With Dyson Daniels coming off a stellar season, Zaccharie Risacher stepping up as a second-year first overall pick, a rejuvenated Jalen Johnson, and the addition of Kristaps Porzingis, expectations were high. ESPN even projected them as the 4-seed in the East.
But things haven't gone as planned. The season seems to be slipping away, with only a promising Pelicans/Bucks pick on the horizon.
Yet, there's a twist in the tale. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has handed the Hawks a golden opportunity to turn things around.
The Hawks have the fourth-easiest schedule for the rest of the season, and it's the easiest in the Eastern Conference. Their strength of schedule (SOS) sits at a favorable 0.469. To put that in perspective, the Denver Nuggets face a much tougher road with a 0.557 SOS.
However, the Hawks need to avoid their Achilles' heel: playing to the level of their competition. This season, they've been a puzzle, challenging top teams like the Cavs and Sixers, even pulling off a double-overtime win against Philly. But they've also faltered against teams they should have handled, like the tanking Chicago Bulls, who have consistently outplayed them.
To secure a playoff spot, and ideally homecourt advantage in the play-in tournament, the Hawks must seize this opportunity. Their window extends until March 23rd. After that, the schedule gets tough, with games against the Celtics, Cavs, Magic, Knicks, and Pistons.
This month is pivotal. If the Hawks can capitalize on this stretch, a playoff series awaits, offering invaluable experience for their young roster.
If not, they risk losing out on both the playoffs and their draft pick. The clock is ticking, and it's time for the Hawks to rise to the occasion.