National Basketball Association

Atlanta Hawks games you want marked on your calender

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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In 10 days, the Atlanta Hawks start their 2016-2017 NBA season. For the Hawks franchise, every game is important, but for fans, certain games mean something special. Here is a list of exciting match-ups to watch for if your an avid Hawks fan.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Washington Wizards (Season Opener), Thursday Oct 27th at 7:30 pm

This will be the first game of the season for the Atlanta Hawks. This will also be the start of a new era for the Hawks, as they officially introduce Dwight Howard to the city of Atlanta. It’ll be superman’s first regular season game as a Hawk, and he’ll surely receive a loud ovation in Phillips Arena.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Houston Rockets, Saturday Nov 5th at 7:30 pm

Dwight Howard’s past team will be in Atlanta, and this will be a good game to gauge whether or not the Rockets are better without Howard, or worse without him. Howard will have something to prove as he goes toe-to-toe with the team he left in the off-season.

Atlanta Hawks at Cleveland Cavaliers, Tuesday Nov 8th at 7:00 pm

For the past two years the Atlanta Hawks have fell short to the the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. At this point, the Hawks have to be praying for some type of payback. This game will be a good test to see if the acquisition of Dwight Howard will change things for Atlanta. The Cavaliers are the team to beat in the east, and the Hawks will have to go through them if they want to make an NBA Finals appearance.

Atlanta Hawks at Golden State Warriors, Monday Nov 28th at 10:30 pm

The Golden State Warriors are expected to be in a class of their own this season with the addition of Kevin Durant. If the Atlanta Hawks really want to know how elite their team is, how they play against the Golden State Warriors will be a key indicator.

Atlanta Hawks at Toronto Raptors, Saturday Dec 3rd at 7:30 pm

In the last two seasons, the Toronto Raptors have been a team that has quietly been dominate over the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks will need to prove that they can beat this team considering they may meet in the playoffs.

Atlanta Hawks vs. San Antonio Spurs, Sunday Jan 1st at 6:00 pm

The Atlanta Hawk’s big brother will be in town to visit, and little brother has went through puberty in the form of Dwight Howard. The Hawks now have some muscle, and more experience under Coach Budenholzer’s system. We’ll see if it’s enough to stand up to big brother.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics, Friday Jan 13th at 8:00 pm

Al Horford is back in Atlanta for the first time since last season. This could be a friendly reunion and bloodbath all in the same day. Not only is Horford playing against his old team, but the Hawks will be playing the team they beat in the playoffs last season. If you watched this series, you would know that it was very competitive and intense to say the least.

Atlanta Hawks at Houston Rockets, Thursday Feb 2nd at 8:00 pm

Dwight Howard will be back in Houston for the first time since he made the decision to play for the Atlanta Hawks. Will Dwight be booed? Will someone come to blows? Who knows what’ll happen that night.

Atlanta Hawks vs Indiana Pacers, Sunday Mar 5th at 3:00 pm

During the off-season, Atlanta made the decision to let Jeff Teague go, and make Dennis Schroeder the starting point guard of the team. This game will be good for Atlanta to see if Dennis can surpass Teague one day as a better player. It’ll be teacher vs. student going at it in Phillips.

These games will be ones you wouldn’t want to miss as you enjoy the 2015-2016 Atlanta Hawks season.

All games obtained from NBA.com