Atlanta Hawks Starting 5: Who’s On the Floor and How to Watch Them in Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta, you hear about the Atlanta Hawks starting 5 all the time—on sports radio, in group chats, and on the way to State Farm Arena. Knowing the likely starters helps you follow the team more closely, plan game nights, and understand what you’re seeing on the court.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to:

• The typical Hawks starting 5 (roles and expectations)
• How the lineup can change and what that means for fans
• Where and how to watch the starters in person in downtown Atlanta
• Tips for locals and visitors heading to games

Player names and roles can change from season to season due to trades, injuries, and coaching decisions, so treat this as a practical guide to positions, roles, and what to look for, rather than a locked-in depth chart.

The Core Idea: What “Starting 5” Means for Hawks Fans

In Atlanta basketball culture, the starting 5 refers to the five players who open the game:

1. Point Guard
2. Shooting Guard
3. Small Forward
4. Power Forward
5. Center

For Hawks fans, this group usually defines:

• The team’s identity (pace, style, strengths)
• Who you’ll most likely see on the floor when you first sit down at State Farm Arena
• Which players get the most attention in pregame introductions and media coverage

Even when the actual names change, the roles of the Hawks starting 5 tend to stay similar from season to season.

Typical Atlanta Hawks Starting 5 Structure

The exact players shift, but the Hawks usually build around:

• An offensive-minded point guard who can score and create for others
• One or two wings who can shoot from outside and defend multiple positions
• A versatile forward who can stretch the floor or attack the rim
• A rim-protecting center who rebounds and anchors the defense

Here’s a simple breakdown of what Atlanta fans can expect from each starting spot.

Point Guard: The Engine of the Hawks’ Offense

The starting point guard is usually:

• The primary ball-handler
• A top scoring option
• The player who runs high pick‑and‑rolls and sets up teammates

In Atlanta, this role is especially visible because the offense is often built around this position. When you’re at State Farm Arena, this is the player you’ll see:

• Bringing the ball up nearly every possession
• Calling out plays and directing traffic
• Taking a high volume of 3‑pointers and floaters in the lane

For locals and visitors, following the point guard’s decisions is one of the best ways to understand what the Hawks are trying to do on offense.

Shooting Guard: Perimeter Scorer and Secondary Playmaker

The shooting guard in the Hawks starting 5 typically:

• Spaces the floor as a catch‑and‑shoot threat
• Guards opposing perimeter players
• Sometimes handles the ball when the point guard is pressured

From the stands or on TV in Atlanta, you’ll notice this starter:

• Spotting up in the corners or on the wings for open 3s
• Chasing opposing guards around screens on defense
• Attacking closeouts with straight‑line drives to the rim

Small Forward: Versatile Wing and Defensive Backbone

The small forward often has one of the toughest jobs:

• Guarding multiple positions (sometimes the opponent’s best scorer)
• Cutting to the basket and finishing in transition
• Hitting open shots to keep defenses honest

Hawks coaches frequently rely on this starter to:

• Switch onto guards and bigs
• Help on the glass
• Provide energy plays that swing momentum at home games

If you’re new to basketball and watching your first live game in Atlanta, keep an eye on the small forward when a defensive stop is needed—their rotations and contests are often crucial.

Power Forward: Stretch Big or Interior Scorer

The power forward spot for the Hawks has evolved. Today, it’s usually:

• A stretch big who can shoot from mid‑range or 3‑point range
• Or a strong finisher who sets solid screens and dives to the rim

From an Atlanta fan’s perspective, this player often:

• Sets screens for the guards at the top of the key
• Pops out for jump shots or rolls to the basket
• Battles for rebounds on both ends

When the Hawks play at home, you’ll notice how important this starter is for spacing—if they can hit shots, it opens driving lanes for the guards.

Center: Rim Protection, Rebounding, and Pick‑and‑Roll Finisher

The center in the Atlanta Hawks starting 5 is usually:

• The primary rim protector
• A key rebounder
• A frequent lob target in pick‑and‑roll situations

From your seat in downtown Atlanta, this is the starter you’ll recognize by:

• Contesting shots near the basket
• Boxing out on nearly every missed shot
• Dunking off alley‑oops or passes after rolling to the rim

Centers might not always lead the team in scoring, but their impact is obvious when the Hawks control the boards and protect the paint.

Example: How a Hawks Starting 5 Typically Looks

This table focuses on roles, not specific names (which can change with trades or injuries), so it stays useful throughout different seasons.

Use this as a quick reference when you’re at a game or watching from home in Atlanta.

Why the Hawks Starting 5 Changes During the Season

As an Atlanta fan, don’t be surprised if the starting lineup you see in October looks different by February. Common reasons:

• Injuries – A starter might sit, moving a bench player into the opening lineup.
• Matchups – Coaches sometimes adjust the starting 5 based on the opponent’s size and style.
• Player development – Younger players can earn a starting spot as they improve.
• Trades and roster moves – The NBA season often includes mid-year changes that reshuffle roles.

For locals, this means:

• The “default” starting 5 is a starting point, not a guarantee every night.
• It’s useful to keep an eye on game‑day injury reports and pregame coverage if you’re headed downtown to see specific players.

Watching the Hawks Starting 5 Live in Atlanta

State Farm Arena: Home of the Atlanta Hawks

If you want to see the Hawks starting 5 in person, you’ll be heading to:

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

Located in the heart of downtown, the arena is accessible for both locals and visitors staying in central Atlanta.

Getting There

Common options Hawks fans use:

• MARTA:
  • The Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green lines) brings you within a short walk of the arena.
  • Many Atlanta locals prefer MARTA for big games to avoid heavy downtown traffic and parking costs.
• Driving:
  • Multiple parking decks and surface lots surround the arena.
  • Arriving early is helpful, especially for weekend games and marquee matchups.
• Rideshare:
  • Designated pick‑up and drop‑off zones are typically marked around the arena on game nights.

If you’re planning to see your favorite starter during warmups or intros, aim to be in your seat at least 30–40 minutes before tipoff.

Inside the Arena: Best Way to Follow the Starting 5

Once you’re inside State Farm Arena:

• The pre‑game introductions spotlight each member of the starting 5 with lights, music, and videos.
• If you like watching specific positions:
  • Sit baseline (behind the baskets) to see how the center and forwards battle in the paint.
  • Sit sideline to better follow how the guards and wings run pick‑and‑roll and off‑ball actions.

Many Atlanta fans enjoy arriving early just to watch the starters:

• Go through their shootaround routines
• Practice mid‑range pull‑ups, floaters, and 3‑point shots
• Work with coaches on defensive footwork and positioning

How Atlanta Fans Track the Starting Lineup From Home

If you live in Atlanta but aren’t heading downtown for every game, you can still keep up with who’s starting that night by:

• Checking pre‑game broadcasts on local and regional sports channels
• Following team announcements released before tipoff
• Listening to local sports radio on game days, where the projected starting 5 is usually a main talking point

Many fans like to know the starting lineup in advance to:

• Decide which game nights are worth the trip to State Farm Arena
• Plan watch parties when a favorite player is back in the starting group
• Understand why the Hawks might match up better or worse against that night’s opponent

Tips for Visitors to Atlanta Wanting to See the Hawks Starters

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want to experience the Hawks starting 5 live:

1. Check the regular season schedule
   • Focus on home games at State Farm Arena.
2. Look at back‑to‑back situations
   • On the second night of a back‑to‑back, teams sometimes rest players, which can affect the starting 5.
3. Arrive Early for Intros
   • The full starting 5 is introduced right before tipoff, and the in‑arena experience is a big part of seeing them live.
4. Stay Downtown or Nearby
   • Lodging near downtown, Midtown, or around MARTA rail lines makes it easier to get to evening games and back without long drives.

What Atlanta Residents Should Know About the Hawks’ Style of Play

Understanding the Hawks’ style helps you appreciate why certain players start:

• Guard‑heavy offense:
  • Atlanta often relies on its starting guards to generate most of the offense, especially from 3‑point range and high pick‑and‑rolls.
• Spacing around shooters:
  • Starting wings and forwards are expected to shoot efficiently to keep defenses honest.
• Pick‑and‑roll with the center:
  • The starting center is frequently involved in screen‑and‑roll actions that lead to lobs, layups, or kick‑out passes.

At home games, you’ll notice:

• The crowd reacts strongly to deep 3s, alley‑oops, and big blocks—all key moments usually involving the starting 5.
• Runs often start when the starters lock in defensively, leading to transition buckets and highlight plays.

How the Bench Interacts With the Starting 5

Even though your focus may be on the starting lineup, the Hawks’ rotations in Atlanta usually work like this:

• Starters open the game and set the tone.
• Bench players enter midway through the first quarter.
• The coach often keeps one or two starters on the floor with reserves to stabilize the offense.

For fans:

• If you arrive slightly late, you’ll still see plenty of the starting 5 throughout the first half.
• In close games at State Farm Arena, the starting group usually closes the game together, especially in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

Quick Summary for Atlanta Fans

If you’re trying to understand the Atlanta Hawks starting 5:

• It always consists of Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Small Forward, Power Forward, and Center.
• The names can change, but the roles stay similar: scoring guards, versatile wings, and bigs who rebound and protect the rim.
• You can watch them live at State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303, easily reached by MARTA or car.
• Starters may change game‑to‑game due to injuries, rest, trades, or matchups, so lineups are best checked close to tipoff.

Understanding these basics makes it easier to enjoy Hawks basketball—whether you’re a lifelong Atlantan or just visiting the city and catching a game downtown.