The New York Knicks are set to clash with the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday evening at State Farm Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. This matchup comes during a turbulent time for both teams, as the Knicks (21-9) are riding high after a thrilling Christmas Day victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, while the Hawks (15-17) seek to recover from a rough patch.
On Christmas, the Knicks secured a narrow 126-124 win over the Cavaliers, showcasing a strong performance led by Jalen Brunson, who scored 34 points. However, it was the bench’s impressive contribution, especially from guards Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek, that proved pivotal in the win. New York capitalized on turnovers, scoring 28 points off them and making 21 three-pointers throughout the game.
Conversely, the Hawks experienced a setback, suffering a disappointing 126-111 defeat to the Miami Heat just the day before. Trae Young and Jalen Johnson did put up a combined 54 points, but the team’s 21 turnovers ultimately sealed their fate. Atlanta has now dropped five consecutive games, allowing an alarming average of 126 points in their last seven losses.
As the teams prepare to meet, BetMGM Sportsbook has posted odds that reflect New York’s current form. The Knicks are listed as clear favorites with a moneyline of -250, while the Hawks sit at +200. The spread is set at Knicks -6.5, indicating the expectation that New York will perform well against a struggling Atlanta team. The over/under for the game is established at 240.5.
In terms of player availability, the Knicks will be missing forward Josh Hart due to an ankle issue, with Miles McBride listed as questionable. The Hawks are also dealing with key injuries, including center Kristaps Porzingis, who is out due to illness.
Looking ahead, predictions lean heavily in favor of the Knicks, projecting a final score of 128-115. Given the Knicks’ recent form and the Hawks’ defensive struggles, experts suggest betting on New York to cover the spread at -6.5. Additionally, with both teams possessing potent offenses and below-average defenses, betting on the over at 241.5 points is also considered a solid choice.
As the Knicks aim to maintain their momentum and the Hawks work to break their losing streak, fans can expect an exciting matchup that promises plenty of scoring opportunities. With the right strategies in place, this game could signal a turning point for Atlanta or solidify New York’s position as a contender in the Eastern Conference.