ORLANDO, Fla. — The Atlanta Hawks begin the 2026-27 NBA season Wednesday against the Magic at Kia Center, launching a new chapter built around forward Jalen Johnson after Trae Young and several other key players left during the offseason.
Atlanta made the playoffs last spring and fell in six games in the first round to the New York Knicks, who went on to win the title. Orlando has struggled in this matchup, losing all four regular-season meetings last season and 18 of the last 23 against its Southeast Division rival.
General manager Onsi Saleh built the supporting cast around Johnson, Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker instead of chasing a splashy trade. Atlanta acquired guards Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins from Oklahoma City and forward Dorian Finney-Smith, while Zaccharie Risacher, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield and Gabe Vincent were among those who departed.
Alexander-Walker is coming off a Most Improved Player season after more than doubling his scoring average to 20.8 points a game from 9.4, and he is likely to start at point guard. Veteran CJ McCollum, back on a one-year deal worth $21 million, gives the bench a proven scorer, and No. 8 overall pick Kingston Flemings figures to open as the backup point guard.
Rookie center Henri Veesaar will miss the season after tearing his ACL in a Sept. 15 workout.
Orlando opens its first season under coach Sean Sweeney. Forward Franz Wagner, who left the preseason finale with right shoulder soreness, took part fully in Tuesday’s practice and plans to play. Guard Anthony Black is out with a right ankle sprain, and Jonathan Isaac, Noah Penda and Izaiyah Nelson are also sidelined. Jase Richardson, who had a sore lower back, was left off the injury report.
After the opener, the Hawks visit the Charlotte Hornets before hosting the Houston Rockets in their first home game.
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