Hawks wrap up regular season, await series with Knicks
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Hawks wrap up regular season, await series with Knicks” inside PodZeus.
The Locked On Hawks podcast recaps the Atlanta Hawks' final regular-season game, a loss to the Miami Heat in which nine of their top 10 players were rested. Host Brad Rowland explains that the decision was not about avoiding the Cleveland Cavaliers or favoring a matchup with the New York Knicks, but rather a calculated risk management strategy to protect key players from injury and ensure they are fresh for the playoffs. He emphasizes that the Hawks' win probability in either first-round matchup—Cavs or Knicks—was nearly identical, and that the team's confidence in their depth and readiness outweighed concerns about seeding. The game itself was a defensive disaster for Atlanta, with Miami scoring 80 points in the paint and the Hawks posting a 140 defensive rating, their worst of the season. However, the team’s offensive passing was elite, finishing ninth in NBA history for most assists in a season. Key performances came from Buddy Hield (31 points in 21 minutes), Keyshawn Gilbert (11 points, 9 assists in debut), and Asa Newell (17 points, 11 rebounds). The podcast also announces the end of FanDuel Sports Network, marking the first time in years that Hawks playoff games will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, ABC, NBC, Peacock, and Amazon, with no local coverage. The Hawks will open the first round against the Knicks in New York on Saturday or Sunday, with a full week of preview content planned.
The Hawks intentionally rested nine of their top 10 players to avoid injury and preserve health for the playoffs, not to avoid the Cavs or favor the Knicks.
The Hawks are underdogs in the series against the Knicks (34% implied win probability), but the matchup is winnable based on recent head-to-head results and team performance.
Despite a poor defensive showing in Game 82, the Hawks' elite passing offense (9th most assists in NBA history) remains a core strength.
Key young players like Asa Newell, Keyshawn Gilbert, and Richaun Holmes showed promise, with Newell and Holmes emerging as defensive anchors.
FanDuel Sports Network is shutting down, meaning all Hawks playoff games will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, ABC, NBC, Peacock, and Amazon—no local broadcast.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Podcast Intro and Sponsorship
Introductory segment featuring sponsor ads for ADT and the Everyday Air Club, with a brief pitch for the Locked On Hawks podcast and its community features.
Hawks' Decision to Rest Players Explained
“The Hawks didn't particularly care who they played in the first round. And look, if it was the difference between playing the Celtics and a bad team in the first round, they would have probably tried in this game. But this is not revisionist for me because I said the same thing on the last two episodes of the show.”
Matchup Analysis: Cavs vs. Knicks
“I would have said the Knicks would be slightly better matchup for the Hawks. But I also have said that the second round matchup probably against Detroit, if you faced Cleveland, would have been preferable to facing Boston in the second round.”
Game 82 Recap and Defensive Collapse
“They had about a 140 defensive rating, their worst of the season in this game. He got anything they wanted to for the most part, 34 assists, seven turnovers from Miami.”
Offensive Highlights and Team Passing
Praise for the Hawks' elite team passing, with the team finishing ninth in NBA history for most assists in a season, and standout performances from Buddy Hield, Keyshawn Gilbert, and Asa Newell.
“The entire playoffs for the first time in a long, long time, if not ever, is on national platforms. There is no local broadcast of the playoffs.”
“The Hawks didn't particularly care who they played in the first round. And look, if it was the difference between playing the Celtics and a bad team in the first round, they would have probably tried in this game.”
“I would have said the Knicks would be slightly better matchup for the Hawks. But I also have said that the second round matchup probably against Detroit, if you faced Cleveland, would have been preferable to facing Boston in the second round.”
Host
Atlanta Hawks
other
Brad Rowland
person
New York Knicks
other
Cleveland Cavaliers
other
Miami Heat
other
FanDuel
brand
Buddy Hield
person
FanDuel Sports Network
brand
Richaun Holmes
person
Asa Newell
person
Hawks, NAW dominate in March; Magic preview
Locked On Hawks - Daily Podcast On The Atlanta Hawks • 31m • 4/1/2026
HAWKS POSTCAST: Atlanta Hawks Claim Southeast Division Bragging Rights, Annihilate Orlando Magic
Locked On Hawks - Daily Podcast On The Atlanta Hawks • 22m • 4/2/2026
Hawks blitz Magic to complete season series sweep
Locked On Hawks - Daily Podcast On The Atlanta Hawks • 31m • 4/2/2026
HAWKS POSTCAST: Atlanta Hawks Cut Brooklyn's Nets, Pour It On In Big Apple, 141-107
Locked On Hawks - Daily Podcast On The Atlanta Hawks • 26m • 4/4/2026
Hawks-Nets, Landale injury, March awards, and more
Locked On Hawks - Daily Podcast On The Atlanta Hawks • 32m • 4/4/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Hawks wrap up regular season, await series with Knicks” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime