On Saturday, 04/05, the Atlanta Hawks (36-40) will host the New York Knicks (45-28) in an Eastern Conference match-up. The Hawks have a loose grip on the eighth fourth spot, while the Knicks have been stationed at the 3rd spot for many weeks. Will the rugged Knicks fend off the offensively charged Hawks? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Hawks: Back to their inconsistent ways
The Atlanta Hawks will enter the match after a disappointing 2-point loss against the Dallas Mavericks despite a 25-point, 12-assist performance by Trae Young. It was their second loss and fourth defeat in five games, doing harm to a 7-2 spell before that. This has been the team’s biggest drawback for the last two to three seasons. They have some encouraging winning periods, only to fall into a string of losses more often than they should.
Their offense isn’t to blame, though. The Trae Young-led team has stacked up 121.6 points per game(4th) in the last 15 games. However, their defense has been terrible. They have conceded 122.8 PPG(8th worst) in the last five matches. Meanwhile, their perimeter defense has been an Achilles Heel all season long as they have allowed around 14 made triples per game(9th) on a 37.4% (3rd worst) clip.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Trae Young | SG: Dyson Daniels | SF: Mouhamed Gueye | PF: Zaccharie Risacher | C: Onyeka Okongwu
Key Injuries/Updates: Jalen Johnson, Larry Nance, and Clint Capela are OUT for the rest of the season.
Knicks: Toiling without their offensive ace
The New York Knicks will enter the game after suffering a 19-point loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a back-to-back situation. Karl-Anthony Towns’ 25-point, 13-rebound performance wasn’t good enough to expand their three-game winning streak. The squad has won five of their last seven games after an underwhelming 3-6 period. The team has played without its leading scorer, Jalen Brunson, which has disturbed the offensive balance.
On the other hand, OG Anunoby has kept them afloat on the offensive end, while Josh Hart has done well as the ball-handler in Brunson’s absence. Meanwhile, their defense has been in great touch as they have given up just 108.7 PPG (6th). They have shut down the perimeter, conceding just 11 three-pointers per game(1st). This kind of effort will instill them with confidence ahead of the postseason, but they will need their ace Brunson fully recovered to make a deep postseason run.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG/SG: Josh Hart | SG: Delon Wright | SF: Mikal Bridges | SF: OG Anunoby | C: Karl-Anthony Towns
Key Injuries/Updates: Jalen Brunson is QUESTIONABLE. Miles McBride’s status is UNCLEAR.
The Knicks waver on the offensive side a lot. One night, they score in 120s but can follow it with an under-110 performance. Meanwhile, the Hawks are regularly breaching the 120-mark but unlike the Knicks, they also give up 120+ almost every game. Overall, I see both the teams at least hitting the 115 mark.
Trae Young to dish under 10.5 assists: The Hawks PG has dished over 12 assists per game since March. However, I expect the Knicks’ defense to contain him under 10 helpers.
Onyeka Okongwu to grab over 10.5 rebounds: The Hawks center has clasped over 10 rebounds per game since March. I believe he will grab 11-13 boards here.
Karl-Anthony Towns to score over 25.5 points: KAT has scored around 23 PPG since March, scoring 25 or more in four of the last six games. I believe he will be in the 26-29 range.
Mikal Bridges to score over 20.5 points: Bridges has scored 8 and 14 in the last two matches, a kind of spell that is recurring. However, he has tallied over 18 a game since March, and I expect him to be in the 20+ range.
The Hawks have been vulnerable these days, even at home. But they are unpredictable. They regularly come out on top against tough teams. Meanwhile, the Knicks are solid against teams with below .500 records. They will also pray that Brunson returns here to match the offensive output of Young. Overall, I see New York edging out the team, shutting them down in the late-game situation.
Safe Spread Pick: Knicks -5.5 for +115 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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