Hawks’ Must-Watch Matchups: Three National TV Games You Can’t Miss
By Kahlil McCuller | Atlanta Sports Magazine
The Atlanta Hawks are gearing up for an exciting season, and this year they’ll take center stage with 13 nationally televised games. For a team looking to prove itself in the Eastern Conference, these primetime appearances are more than just matchups — they’re statements. With Trae Young still the heartbeat of the franchise and new roster pieces raising expectations, fans will have plenty to tune in for. Here are the top three national TV games Hawks fans — and NBA fans everywhere — should circle on the calendar.
1. MLK Day Showdown vs. Milwaukee Bucks (January 20, 1 PM on Peacock)
There’s something special every time Atlanta plays on MLK Day, and history says the Hawks rise to the moment. The last time they faced the Bucks on this holiday, they stormed back from a 14-point deficit to grab a dramatic win in a rematch of the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. This year, with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading a revamped Milwaukee squad and Trae Young averaging a double-double against them for four straight seasons, the stage is set for another thriller. In Atlanta, this game isn’t just about basketball — it’s about honoring a legacy, and the Hawks rarely disappoint on this day.
2. Rivalry Renewed: Hawks at Knicks (January 2, Madison Square Garden)
Few rivalries in today’s NBA carry the energy of Hawks vs. Knicks, and at the center of it all is Trae Young. Ever since the 2021 playoffs, MSG has echoed with chants of “F Trae Young”, a modern echo of the Reggie Miller era. Young only fuels the fire — last season, after knocking the Knicks out of the In-Season Tournament, he mocked New York by rolling dice on the Knicks’ logo. This primetime matchup will be the Hawks’ first big TV appearance of the new year, and if history tells us anything, expect fireworks, drama, and at least one viral Trae Young moment under the Garden lights.
3. Early Test Against Orlando Magic (November 4, Kia Center)
The Orlando Magic have quickly built a reputation as one of the league’s most physical teams — and Hawks players know it firsthand. Their bruising style led to injuries across the league last season, sparking tensions with both Atlanta and Boston. In the Play-In Tournament, Orlando outmuscled the Hawks in a gritty win, and both sides retooled over the summer to climb the Eastern ladder. This will be Atlanta’s first national TV game of the season, and it’s not just about proving toughness — it’s about redemption. With Trae Young leading a deeper Hawks roster, this matchup should set the tone for Atlanta’s season.
The Hawks aren’t just banking on Trae Young’s brilliance anymore — this is one of the deepest rosters Atlanta has assembled in recent years. With national eyes watching, these marquee games are more than entertainment; they’re a chance to show the league that the Hawks are ready to contend.
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