Where the Hawks stand headed into final 26 games of regular season

The Hawks return to practice on Wednesday following the All-Star break. Their first game after the break is at home against the Heat on Friday.

Here is a look at where the team stands in five areas going into the final 26 games of the regular season.

Trades

The NBA trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. The team that reconvenes on Wednesday could look different the next day. The Hawks have been active in exploring possible trades to improve a team that stands at 32-24 and is second in the Southeast Division and fifth in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks have a recent history of minor trades at the deadlines. Paul Millsap will remain but the Hawks could make a significant move with an open roster spot, a cache of future draft picks and a number of players in the final year of their deals.

Standings

The Hawks are fifth in the East. They trail the fourth-place Raptors by a half-game, the third-place Wizards by 2-1/2 games and the second-place Celtics by 4-1/2 games. The first-place Cavaliers hold a 7-1/2 game lead over the Hawks. They also hold a 3-1/2 game lead over the sixth-place Pacers. It appears the Hawks are headed to a 10th consecutive postseason appearance, the longest active streak in the conference.

Schedule

Of the Hawks’ 26 remaining games, 14 are at home and 12 are on the road. They have 13 games each remaining with teams that are currently above and below .500. They have three games remaining with the Cavaliers (two at home), two games remaining with the Celtics (one at home) and one game remaining with both the Wizards (away) and Raptors (home). The scheduled also includes two games against the Grizzlies and games against the Warriors (home) and Spurs (away). It also includes three games against the Nets, two games against the Hornets and a game against the 76ers.

Recent play

The Hawks are 32-24 overall. They return from the break with a 10-8 record since their seven-game win streak at the end of December and start of January. In fact, the team is 23-22 since a 9-2 start to the regular season.

Health

Thabo Sefolosha could return following the break after the starting small forward missed nine straight games with a left groin injury. That would be welcomed news for the Hawks. In addition, Tiago Splitter is getting closer to a return from the hip and calf injuries that have sidelined him all season. The backup center has been doing increased work in his rehabilitation and could return at some point for the stretch run. Millsap, the lone Hawks player to participate in the All-Star weekend, doesn’t have to return to practice until Thursday.