The opening game of the Eastern Conference first round should be a good one, as the Atlanta Hawks travel to face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 18. New York enters as the third seed after a 53-29 season, while Atlanta arrives as the sixth seed at 46-36. Both teams closed the regular season in strong form, each going 6-4 over their last 10 games, and each side has shown the ability to produce offense in bunches. These teams are also no strangers to each other in the postseason, though Trae Young is no longer around to haunt the Knicks. Before tip-off at Madison Square Garden, continue reading for my Hawks vs Knicks Game 1 prediction in the betting markets.
Hawks vs Knicks Game 1 Pick
- Pick: New York Knicks -4.5
- Confidence: 5 out of 5
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Atlanta Hawks @ New York Knicks
- Date & Time: Saturday, April 18, 6:00 PM ET
- Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
- Broadcast: Prime Video
Key Storylines
New York enters the postseason with one of the strongest home records in the league and a defensive track record that improved significantly late in the season. The Knicks won 2 of 3 meetings against Atlanta during the regular season, including a tight 108-105 win on the road in early April. That ability to close tight games could prove decisive in a playoff setting.
Atlanta, however, arrives as one of the hotter teams over the final stretch, showing improved offensive efficiency and pace. The Hawks averaged 118.5 points per game this season and rely on ball movement and perimeter shooting to create scoring opportunities. Their ability to push tempo could test a Knicks team that prefers a more controlled approach offensively.
Key Players
New York Knicks
- Jalen Brunson leads the offense with 26.0 points and 6.8 assists per game. His ability to create shots late in games makes him the focal point of the Knicks’ attack.
- Karl-Anthony Towns averages 11.9 rebounds per game and provides scoring and floor spacing. His presence inside is vital against Atlanta’s frontcourt.
- Mikal Bridges adds perimeter defense and scoring versatility, helping New York match up against Atlanta’s wing-heavy offense and defense.
Atlanta Hawks
- Jalen Johnson has emerged as the centerpiece, averaging 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists, giving Atlanta a dynamic all-around threat.
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributes 20.8 points per game while shooting nearly 40% from three-point range, making him a key perimeter weapon.
- CJ McCollum remains an experienced scorer and playmaker, capable of taking over stretches of games despite his veteran status in the league.
Stat Comparison
| Stat | Atlanta Hawks | New York Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 118.5 | 116.5 |
| Team Field Goal % | 47% | 48% |
| Rebounds per game | 43.5 | 45.6 |
| Assists per game | 30.1 | 27.4 |
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
- Season series: Knicks lead 2-1. Road teams went 3-0 in this series during the regular season.
- Atlanta Hawks ATS record: 44-38
- New York Knicks ATS record: 44-39
Hawks vs Knicks Game 1 Model Projection
- Score Projection: Atlanta Hawks 108 – New York Knicks 113
- Win Probability: Atlanta Hawks 38%, New York Knicks 62%
New York holds several advantages heading into Game 1, most notably its home dominance and defensive edge. The Knicks allow just over 110 points per game, a significant contrast to Atlanta’s defensive numbers. That gap could become more pronounced in a playoff environment where possessions slow down and defensive execution matters more. I’m going to lay the points with the Knicks here, as they should get the job done in an exciting game at the world’s most famous arena to begin their playoff run.
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