After underwhelming season, Hawks eye playoff berth through play-in tourney

Yes, but: That would mean a matchup with the Boston Celtics for the second year in a row. The Celtics finished this season with the NBA's best record.

• Last year, Boston eliminated Atlanta in the first round in six games.
• The Hawks won their last two matchups against the Celtics in thrilling fashion: a 30-point comeback and a last-second shot. Atlanta was without their superstar guard Trae Young for both games.

By the numbers: Here are five stats that defined this season for the Hawks.

28: The number of games Young missed this season, the most in his six-year career.

120.5: How many points per game the Hawks gave up, which is near the worst in the Association. They allowed 157 points in their final game of the season.

.512: The Hawks' home winning percentage. Atlanta struggled to win at State Farm Arena with the ease of years past, contributing to their losing record.

22.4: Dejounte Murray's points per game. It's the highest mark of his young NBA career, and a key reason the Hawks didn't completely crater in Young's absence.

3,868: Young set a new franchise record for most assists, taking the top spot from Doc Rivers, who had 3,866.

What's next: Atlanta takes on the Bulls in Chicago on Wednesday at 9:30pm in a win or go-home matchup. The game will be on ESPN.