2026-27 NBA Season Preview: Hawks, Magic, Hornets, Heat, Wizards (Southeast Division)

With the regular season set to tip off on Oct. 20, let’s take a look at where each team in the Southeast Division stands. We’ll break down what to like and be concerned about, a lineup to watch and a reasonable range for them to finish in the standings. 

Let’s dig in, shall we?

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Hawks • Magic • Hornets • Heat • Wizards

Previous divisions: Central • Southwest • Northwest • Pacific

(Ethan Palowitz/Yahoo Sports Illustration)

Atlanta Hawks

WHAT TO LIKE: Perimeter defense

You won’t find many trios more menacing than Dyson Daniels, Lu Dort, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker on the perimeter.

I don’t think they’ll start together barring injury, but the prospect of having at least two of them on the floor at all times is enticing to me. I’m especially excited for the minutes that Daniels and Dort share together; being able to further weaponize Daniels’ off-ball chops should help their defense continue to turn people over at a high level.

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OTHER LIKES

It’s time for the full Jalen Johnson Experience! He earned his first All-Star and All-NBA nod last season, filling the box score while spearheading a we-hit-you-from-anywhere offensive attack. Following the Knicks poking at some of his weaknesses in the playoffs last year, I’m excited to see how much he’s grown from it, and what kind of counters he’s added.

It feels like yesterday I was noting the Hawks randomly sprinkling in exit screens for Onyeka Okongwu to take corner 3s. Now, he’s coming off a season where he shot nearly 38% from deep on over five attempts. His transformation into a true stretch option, while still being able to operate as a hub, has been really freakin’ cool to watch.

There is bucket-getting to be had here in Atlanta. CJ McCollum and Alexander-Walker, in particular, are two of the most aesthetically pleasing scorers in the league.

BIGGEST QUESTION MARK: Half-court creation

We’ll start here: Per Cleaning the Glass, the Hawks ranked 15th in half-court offense (97.7; league average: 98.1) overall, but 22nd against top-10 defenses (92.4; league average: 94.7). 

In order for the Hawks to take the next step, they’re going to have to…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/2026-27-nba-season-preview-hawks-magic-hornets-heat-wizards-southeast-division-235005528.html

Author : Nekias Duncan

Publish date : 2026-10-13 23:50:00

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