A pair of squads that have had some trouble lately in NBA matchups will meet up at Madison Square Garden Wednesday night when the New York Knicks take on the Atlanta Hawks.
These teams crossed paths once this season already, in early November. The home team, Hawks, came out on top by a 112-99 final score, with Dejounte Murray pouring in a career-best 36 points.
New York gave up a 23-point edge, having led 51-28 with 6:59 left in the second quarter.
Let’s take a better look at their matchup to come by considering some NBA team stats and how they’ve done lately on the NBA schedule. It’ll go a long way in helping choose today’s Hawks vs Knicks best bets.
New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta (13-11) started the campaign with a 7-3 record, but has since gone 6-8. They’ve been sort of inconsistent as of late and have dropped four of their previous six.
Still, the Hawks sit in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, behind Cleveland, Milwaukee, and red-hot Boston.
New York (11-13), much like the opponent it’s welcoming in, has also lost four of its last six. The Knicks are ninth in the Eastern Conference as it currently stands, with two games separating them and Atlanta.
Last Game
Hawks’ Last Game Record
In its last outing, Atlanta came up short at home against Oklahoma City, 121-114. The Hawks were up by as much as 14 in the third frame, but 35 points from the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander helped the guests overcome the deficit.
Murray and Trae Young posted 24 points and 23 points, respectively. Their Hawks have fumbled away six double-digit leads this go-round.
Rookie A.J. Griffin has sunk at least one trey in nine consecutive contests, the longest such active streak among league newcomers.
Knicks’ Last Game Record
Against Cleveland Sunday, the Knicks won at home, 92-81. Jalen Brunson posted 23 points and New York never looked up at the Cavaliers. It was the first time the Knicks had held a foe under 100 points this campaign.
Cleveland shot a season-low 34.9% field goal percentage.
New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks Analysis
We’re getting closer to revealing our Hawks vs Knicks best bets. First, let’s take a quick look at some NBA player stats and update some injuries.
NBA Stats
Young, something of a villain in the Big Apple, averages a team-high 27.6 points and 9.6 assists per game. Center Clint Capela is good for 12.2 boards per outing.
Injury Report
The Atlanta Hawks injury report lists guard Trent Forrest, who’s out for this one with a concussion. Forwards De’Andre Hunter (right hip flexor strain) and John Collins (left ankle sprain) are both set to miss at least a week.
Julius Randle paces the Knicks’ lineup with 21.1 points and 8.5 boards per game. Brunson adds 6.2 assists.
Guards Trevor Keels and Ryan Arcidiacono are both dealing with injuries, with the latter out at the moment.
New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks Odds Breakdown
New York Knicks
If you’re looking to bet on the Knicks, keep in mind that oddsmakers have them at -108 to cover -2. They’re -120 favorites on the moneyline, as well.
Atlanta Hawks
As the visitor, Atlanta is a +102 underdog on NBA odds. They’re -112 to cover.
New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks Pick and Prediction
While both crews are still trying to differentiate themselves from the pack, Atlanta is just a bit closer to doing so.
The Hawks’ scoring combination of Young and Murray is obviously a capable one, but their defense has struggled with holding leads thus far. So, what are our Hawks vs Knicks Best Bets?
If this one is anything like the most recent of Knicks games, it would bode very well for New York. Count on their defense, along with guys like Brunson, Randle, and R.J. Barrett to light the way to another home win.
Here are today’s NBA picks.
NBA Pick: New York Knicks (-120)
NBA Pick: Under 231.5 points (-110)
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