The Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks enter this first-round series with notable contrasts in style and recent history. New York finished the season as the third seed. At the same time, Atlanta secured the sixth seed at 46-36. The New York Knicks won the regular-season series 2-1, but the combined point differential was close, with the road team winning every meeting.
Consider that this NBA lines matchup features a significant pace clash: the Atlanta Hawks ranked fifth in the league in tempo, while the Knicks finished 25th. Atlanta relies on a fast-paced offense and elite ball movement, leading the league with 30.1 assists per game. Their defensive length is a primary strength. Specifically, Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker provide a physical challenge for opposing guards.
The Knicks counter with a disciplined, high-efficiency approach. To show, they finished with a superior net rating of 6.6 compared to Atlanta’s 2.5. Jalen Brunson remains the focal point of the offense, averaging 26 points and nearly 7 assists per game. A critical factor in this series will be Karl-Anthony Towns’s play. In sum, he averaged 28.5 points and 13.5 rebounds in his two appearances against Atlanta this season.
Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks NBA Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, April 18, 2026, 6:00 PM ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York |
| TV Coverage: | Prime Video |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawks | +5 ( -105 ) | 216½ ( -110 ) | +180 |  |
| Knicks | -5 ( -115 ) | 216½ ( -110 ) | -220 | |
| ||||
The Atlanta Hawks will play the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The game is scheduled to tip off at 6:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on Prime Video.
Correlate that this matchup marks the start of their first-round playoff series, with the Knicks entering as the third seed and the Hawks as the sixth seed.
Hawks at Knicks Betting Odds Analysis
Specifically, rebounding is expected to be a major advantage for New York, as they finished seventh in the league in rebounds per game. The availability of Mitchell Robinson further strengthens their interior presence against an Atlanta frontcourt that has struggled. Cause by injuries to depth players like Jock Landale.
While the Knicks are the favorites according to the latest series odds, analysts view Atlanta as a dangerous underdog. Due to their defensive improvements and ability to disrupt Brunson’s rhythm.
Atlanta Hawks Team Overview
Overall, the Atlanta Hawks finished with a straight-up record of 46-36, earning the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference and the Southeast Division title. They posted an against-the-spread record of 44-38. When it came to total points, they were nearly balanced but leaned slightly toward the lower side with an over-under offshore betting record of 39-40.
Atlanta was one of the league’s more productive teams, averaging 118.5 points per game, ranking sixth overall. Their offensive rating settled at 116.1, placing them fourteenth in the NBA. In comparison, defensively, the Hawks showed significant improvement compared to previous seasons. To illuminate, they ended the year with a defensive rating of 113.7, which ranked ninth in the league. They limited opponents to 116.0 points per game, placing them eighteenth in scoring defense.
New York Knicks Team Overview
The New York Knicks finished with a straight-up record of 53 wins and 29 losses. In turn, they posted an NBA odds spread record of 47-32-3. The Knicks finished with an over-under record of 45-37.
New York is averaging 117.8 points per game, which ranked eighth in the league. Their offensive rating was even more impressive at 120.4, placing them fifth overall in efficiency. By contrast, the Knicks finished the year with a defensive rating of 113.8, which ranked 10th in the league. They allowed 111.2 points per game, the fifth-lowest mark in the NBA.
Hawks at Knicks Free SBG Picks
To conclude, the New York Knicks covering the spread is a primary consideration given their strong home performance this season, where they finished 30-10 straight up. Finally, New York’s top-10 defense and tendency to use more of the shot clock are expected to keep the score low.
Hawks at Knicks SBG Best Bet: New York Knicks and Under the Total.