So, you’re looking at the standings and wondering what is the Atlanta Hawks record right now? Honestly, it depends on which day you check the box score because this team has been a total roller coaster. As of January 18, 2026, the Atlanta Hawks sit at 20-24. They are stuck in that weird "no man's land" in the Eastern Conference, currently holding down the 10th spot.
It’s been a frustrating stretch lately. They just got beat up by the Boston Celtics, losing 132-106 on January 17. That loss pushed their current skid to three games. If you’re a fan, it’s that familiar feeling of one step forward, two steps back. One night they look like world-beaters—like when they handled Golden State earlier this month—and the next, they’re giving up 140 points like it’s a layup line.
Breaking Down the Atlanta Hawks Record and Standings
When you dig into the numbers, the Atlanta Hawks record tells a story of a team that can’t find its identity. They’ve actually been surprisingly decent on the road, going 13-12. That’s usually a sign of a tough, veteran-minded team. But then you look at their performance at State Farm Arena. They are a dismal 7-12 at home. Usually, you protect your own floor, but for some reason, the energy in Atlanta hasn't translated to wins this year.
They are currently 3rd in the Southeast Division, trailing the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat. Here is how the East looks around them:
- Pistons: 30-10 (Somehow the best in the East?)
- Celtics: 26-15
- Knicks: 25-17
- Magic: 23-18
- Hawks: 20-24
Being four games under .500 isn't a death sentence in the modern NBA, especially with the Play-In Tournament. But the point differential is a bit worrying. They’re scoring about 117.6 points per game, which is top-ten offensive territory. The problem? They’re giving up 119.2. Basically, they’re trying to outrun their problems, but their problems have fresh legs.
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The Jalen Johnson Era is Officially Here
Forget the record for a second. If there is one reason to actually watch this team, it’s Jalen Johnson. With Trae Young sidelined for much of the season (he’s only played 10 games so far), Johnson has basically become the sun that the entire Atlanta universe orbits.
He’s averaging a massive double-double: 23.1 points and 10.1 rebounds. But it's the 8.1 assists that really blow your mind. A guy that size playing point-forward and leading the team in almost every major category is rare. He’s the reason the Atlanta Hawks record isn’t much worse.
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Nickeil Alexander-Walker has also stepped up in a huge way, chipping in over 20 points a night. The roster looks a lot different than it did a couple of years ago. You’ve got Dyson Daniels locking people up on the perimeter and Onyeka Okongwu finally getting consistent minutes at center, averaging about 16 and 8. It's a young, bouncy core, but they're clearly missing that superstar gravity that a healthy Trae Young provides.
Why is the Record So Average?
Injuries. That’s the short answer. You can’t talk about what is the Atlanta Hawks record without mentioning the hospital ward they’ve been running.
- Trae Young: Missing your franchise cornerstone for 30+ games is going to hurt. His quad injury has kept the offense from reaching its full potential.
- Kristaps Porzingis: The big summer addition? He's out with Achilles tendinitis. Without his rim protection and floor spacing, the defense is a sieve.
- Zaccharie Risacher: The rookie was showing flashes of why he was a top pick, but a bone contusion in his knee has him sidelined right now.
- N'Faly Dante: Out for the season with a torn ACL.
When you’re missing your starting point guard, your starting center, and your top rookie, 20-24 starts to look like a minor miracle. Quin Snyder has been mixing and matching lineups like a mad scientist, but there’s only so much you can do with a depleted bench.
What’s Next for the Hawks?
The schedule doesn't get any easier. They have a massive game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, January 19. If they want to climb out of the 10th seed and avoid a single-elimination Play-In game, they have to fix the defense.
Right now, they rank 25th in the league in points allowed. You just can’t win consistently when you’re giving up nearly 120 points every night. They play at the second-fastest pace in the NBA, which is fun for highlights, but it's exhausting for a short-handed roster.
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Sorta feels like they’re waiting for the trade deadline or the training room to empty out. Until then, expect more of the same: high-scoring games, incredible Jalen Johnson stat lines, and a record that hovers right around that .500 mark.
Actionable Insights for Hawks Fans:
- Monitor the Injury Report: Keep a close eye on Trae Young's return timeline. The Hawks' offensive rating jumps significantly when he's on the floor, and his return is the only way they move into the top 6.
- Watch the Home Stand: With a 7-12 home record, the upcoming games at State Farm Arena are "must-wins" to build chemistry and fan momentum.
- Focus on Jalen Johnson's Usage: In fantasy or betting markets, Johnson is a primary target as long as the roster remains thin. His 35.3 minutes per game show that Snyder trusts him with everything.
- Check the Play-In Seeding: The Hawks are currently only 1.5 games ahead of the Chicago Bulls for the final Play-In spot. Every game against Eastern Conference opponents now carries double weight for tiebreaker purposes.