Atlanta Hawks Miss Out on NBA Christmas Day Lineup for Third Consecutive Year
For the third straight year, the Atlanta Hawks have been left off the NBA’s Christmas Day schedule. The NBA recently unveiled its Christmas Day lineup, and there’s been some backlash from fans, particularly regarding certain matchups. A notable absence is the Hawks, a team that was widely seen as the big winner of free agency this offseason.
Christmas Day games are seen by many as the most significant regular-season matchups, with fans often feeling that the season truly begins on that day. The league typically showcases its top stars, with these games drawing the highest viewership of the year. The prestige of playing on Christmas is undeniable, as memorable performances can elevate a player’s legacy. Iconic games, like the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors matchup, are still celebrated by fans.
The Hawks, however, boast one of the NBA’s most exciting young cores, featuring two All-Stars—Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis—who have created significant buzz this offseason. Last season, the Hawks made it to the In-Season Tournament Conference Finals and finished as a top-five seed in the Eastern Conference. It’s a far cry from the 2021 NBA Playoffs when they made a deep run to the Eastern Conference Finals, earning a spot in the Christmas schedule during the NBA’s 75th Anniversary season. However, Young missed that game due to COVID-19.
The primary reason for the Hawks’ snub seems to be a lack of widespread TV appeal and strong storylines, particularly after missing the playoffs last season. The Christmas slate will feature heavy-hitters like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Edwards, all of whom have established major fan followings. With the Hawks having missed the postseason in recent years, they may not generate the same level of interest from casual fans, something Trae Young himself pointed out during the playoffs.
That said, the Hawks’ fans have an opportunity to make their voices heard and create more excitement around the team. If they show more support and their team has a breakout season, it could boost the Hawks’ chances of being featured in future Christmas Day games. For now, though, the Hawks can use this as motivation, as they remain a young, up-and-coming squad with plenty to prove in the coming season.
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