What happened: The Atlanta Hawks revealed their NBA Cup group-stage opponents for the upcoming 2026-27 season: the Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. The in-season tournament seeds teams into small pools for early-season play before a knockout round decides the title.

Why it matters: The draw pairs Atlanta with a mix of contender and rebuilding competition, headlined by a Boston Celtics side that has anchored the top of the Eastern Conference. Group results carry seeding weight once the bracket forms, so these early meetings hold more than a typical non-conference date.

What to watch: Watch for the league to finalize NBA Cup dates and the full group format as the 2026-27 schedule is released.