The Atlanta Hawks (16-19) visit the New York Knicks (23-10) in an Eastern Conference matchup at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks aim to rebound from a narrow 134-132 road loss to the San Antonio Spurs on December 31.
The Hawks enter on a positive note after a convincing 126-102 home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, but face a tough test against a Knicks team that’s been dominant at home.
Venue Location
The game will be played at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. This iconic 19,812-capacity arena, home to the Knicks since 1968, is renowned for its electric atmosphere and has hosted countless memorable NBA moments, though renovations have modernized its facilities.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET (6:30 PM CT / 4:30 PM PT). The game will be televised on MSG and FDSSE, with streaming options via NBA League Pass and radio broadcasts on 880 ESPN New York and WZGC.
Injury Report
Both teams have key players sidelined or questionable, potentially affecting strategies—New York without a defensive anchor and Atlanta possibly missing their star guard.
Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young is questionable (right quad contusion). N’Faly Dante is out (right knee torn ACL). Obi Toppin is out (right foot stress fracture).
New York Knicks: Josh Hart is out (right ankle sprain). Mitchell Robinson is questionable (ankle).
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If Young sits, the Hawks may turn to backups for playmaking, while the Knicks could start Precious Achiuwa if Robinson is unavailable.
Player Matchups
The Knicks’ star power could overwhelm Atlanta, especially if Young is limited. Key battles include:
Trae Young (ATL) vs. Jalen Brunson (NYK): If Young plays (19.3 PPG, 5.6 APG), his quickness and shooting face Brunson’s scoring efficiency (29.4 PPG, 47.7% FG). Brunson could exploit Young’s defensive lapses for drives.
Jalen Johnson (ATL) vs. OG Anunoby (NYK): Johnson’s all-around game (24.0 PPG, likely high rebounds) meets Anunoby’s elite defense. This forward matchup may dictate transition opportunities.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ATL) vs. Mikal Bridges (NYK): Alexander-Walker’s scoring (20.3 PPG) clashes with Bridges’ versatility (16.3 PPG, strong perimeter D). Bridges might force turnovers.
Kristaps Porziņģis (ATL?) vs. Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK): Assuming Porziņģis is on Hawks (per stats), his spacing tests Towns’ dominance (21.9 PPG, efficient shooting). Towns could own the paint without Robinson.
New York holds advantages in scoring and defense, ranking high in efficiency.
Recent Team Forms
The Knicks have been formidable, going 7-3 in their last 10 games with an average of 122.9 PPG, highlighted by wins but capped by the Spurs loss. They’ve shot efficiently (48% FG) and dominated rebounds.
The Hawks are 5-5 in their last 10, including the recent win over Minnesota, averaging around 117 PPG but allowing 115+. They’ve improved defensively lately but remain inconsistent.
| Team | Last 10 Games | Win Streak | PPG Scored | PPG Allowed | Key Trend |
| Hawks | 5-5 | W1 | 117.6 | 115.0 | 3-2 in last 5 home games sportstats365.com |
| Knicks | 7-3 | L1 | 122.9 | 114.5 | 4-1 in last 5 home games statmuse.com |
Series History
The Hawks lead the all-time series 203-194 in 397 regular-season games.
Over the last two years, Atlanta is 3-4 against New York.
Recent games include a 128-125 Knicks win on December 27, 2025, and a 121-105 Hawks victory on April 5, 2025.
The Knicks are 6-4 in their last 10 home games vs. Atlanta. The teams meet again on April 6 in Atlanta.
Betting Trends
Hawks Trends: Atlanta is 17-18 ATS overall and 9-9 ATS on the road. They’ve covered in 3 of their last 5 but are 2-3 ATS as underdogs of 7+ points. The over has hit in 6 of 10 games.
Knicks Trends: New York is 18-15 ATS and 12-5 ATS at home. They’ve gone 0-5 ATS in their last 5 overall but are strong as favorites (15-4 SU). The over has cashed in 7 of 10.
Series Trends: In the last 10 meetings, the home team is 7-3 ATS, with the over hitting 6 times (avg. 230 points).
Game Odds
Atlanta Hawks 245.5
New York Knicks – 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 1, 2026
