Eastern Conference First Round – Best-of-7 Series (Tied 1-1)
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET
Venue: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
TV/Streaming: Prime Video
Series Context and Team Records
The #3 seed New York Knicks (53-29 regular season) and #6 seed Atlanta Hawks (46-36) split the first two games in Madison Square Garden. Knicks took Game 1 comfortably (113-102) behind strong half-court execution and rebounding. Hawks stole Game 2 in dramatic fashion (107-106) with a 12-point fourth-quarter comeback led by CJ McCollum’s 32 points.
Knicks enter with the better regular-season record and net rating, boasting a top-tier offense and elite defensive versatility. Hawks, despite the lower seed, have home-court momentum after the Game 2 upset and rely on perimeter scoring and transition play.
Recent Team Forms (Playoff Focus + Context)
Knicks (last 2 playoffs): W (Game 1), L (Game 2). They dominated early in both games but faltered late in Game 2 due to a cold shooting stretch and defensive lapses. Regular-season form was elite (strong closing stretch).
Hawks (last 2 playoffs): L (Game 1), W (Game 2). They showed resilience on the road, erasing deficits with hot shooting from McCollum and timely contributions from Jalen Johnson. They were streaky in the regular season but capable of big nights.
Both teams are 1-1 in the series with playoff adjustments underway.
Injury Report
New York Knicks: No significant injuries reported. OG Anunoby (ankle) was listed probable earlier in the series but has been available and is expected to play. Full roster available.
Atlanta Hawks:
Jock Landale (C) – OUT (ankle, extended absence).
No other major absences noted for Game 3 (Onyeka Okongwu’s earlier knee concern appears resolved or managed for the series).
Hawks will lean heavily on Okongwu and depth pieces (e.g., Mouhamed Gueye if needed) at center.
Key Player Matchups
Jalen Brunson (Knicks PG) vs. CJ McCollum (Hawks SG): The series’ marquee battle. Brunson is the better closer and floor general; McCollum erupted for 32 points in Game 2 and has been efficient when attacking Brunson directly. Knicks must limit McCollum’s off-ball movement and secondary creation.
Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks C) vs. Onyeka Okongwu (Hawks C): Towns creates massive spacing and mismatch problems with his shooting and size. Okongwu is a strong rim protector and lob threat but will be overtaxed without Landale.
Wings/Forwards (Knicks: Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart) vs. Hawks (Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker): Knicks’ versatile wing trio provides elite two-way play and rebounding. Hawks counter with Johnson’s all-around athleticism and Daniels’ perimeter defense. Hart’s hustle and rebounding will be critical on the road.
Bench/Depth: Knicks have more reliable rotation pieces (e.g., Miles McBride). Hawks rely on balanced scoring but risk fatigue without Landale.
Series History (Playoff Context)
The Knicks hold a historical playoff edge over the Hawks (approximately 10-6 all-time entering 2026, with notable wins in 1971 and 1999). In recent regular-season meetings (2025-26), the teams split or Knicks had the slight edge, but playoffs reset everything. The 2021 first-round series saw Atlanta win 4-1, but current rosters favor New York’s depth and star power.
Betting Trends
Knicks cover as slight favorites in recent road playoff games with superior talent.
Overs have hit in several recent head-to-heads, but Game 2 was tight (213 total).
Hawks are 2-3 ATS in last 5; Knicks have been more consistent.
Home underdogs in this series (like Hawks in Game 3) have covered once already.
Game Odds
New York Knicks 216.5
Atlanta Hawks – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, April 22, 2026
