Game 5 between the Hawks and Knicks is a pivotal swing game in a tightly contested 2–2 series. Correlate that New York is holding the momentum after a dominant Game 4 win and returning home to Madison Square Garden.
To illuminate, the NBA lines series is tied 2–2, and both teams enter Game 5 with contrasting trajectories. New York regained control with a 114–98 win in Game 4. They were powered by KarlAnthony Towns’ postseason triple-double and OG Anunoby’s two-way impact. In turn, the Knicks built a 24-point lead by the fourth quarter and never allowed Atlanta to threaten late. New York showed a level of defensive sharpness that had been missing in Games 2 and 3.
Meanwhile, Atlanta has shown resilience throughout the series, winning Games 2 and 3 by a combined three points. Their offense has been strong overall, averaging 118.5 points per game this season. But New York’s defensive adjustments in Game 4—particularly limiting CJ McCollum’s perimeter impact—shifted the tone. McCollum, who had been the driving force behind Atlanta’s earlier wins, was held scoreless from three-point range after hitting nine threes across the first three games.
Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks NBA Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 8:00 PM ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Madison Square Garden in New York |
| TV Coverage: | Peacock |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawks | +6½ ( -110 ) | 213 ( -110 ) | +230 |  |
| Knicks | -6½ ( -110 ) | 213 ( -110 ) | -280 | |
| ||||
The Atlanta Hawks will face the New York Knicks for Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8:00 PM EDT at Madison Square Garden in New York. NBC will provide national media coverage, and streaming will be available on Peacock.
Hawks at Knicks Betting Odds Analysis
Specifically, the key matchup remains Jalen Brunson versus Atlanta’s defensive schemes. Brunson is averaging 26 points per game this season and has been steady throughout the series. Jalen Johnson continues to be Atlanta’s most versatile threat, averaging 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists over his last 10 games.
New York’s ability to control the pace, limit turnovers, and maintain defensive discipline. Especially against McCollum and Johnson, it will determine whether they can capitalize on home-court advantage. Atlanta must find ways to generate cleaner looks from deep and avoid the early deficits that doomed them in Game 4.
Atlanta Hawks Team Overview
Overall, the 2025–26 Atlanta Hawks finished the regular season with a 46–36 record, placing first in the Southeast Division and sixth in the Eastern Conference. This season marked a major turning point for the franchise. Cause by longtime star Trae Young was traded to the Washington Wizards on January 9, 2026, in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.
The team’s sportsbook odds performance actually improved after Young’s early-season injury and subsequent trade. Thus, establishing a pattern of success built around a more balanced, movement-heavy offense.
Jalen Johnson emerged as the centerpiece of the team, earning his first All-Star selection in February 2026. His development into a high-use, multidimensional forward helped reshape Atlanta’s identity. Correlate that the Hawks surged after the All-Star break. Atlanta went 20–6 and produced an 11-game winning streak that propelled them out of playoff contention and into a secure playoff position.
New York Knicks Team Overview
The 2025–26 Knicks finished 53–29, placing second in the Atlantic Division and third in the Eastern Conference. Their statistical NBA odds profile shows a team that excels in both structure and execution. To summarize, they averaged 116.5 points per game, ranking tenth in the league. While allowing just 110.1 points per game, the fifth-best mark in the NBA. Their net rating of +6.5 ranked fifth overall, reflecting consistent superiority on both ends of the floor.
The Knicks’ identity is shaped by efficient halfcourt offense and disciplined defense. Their offensive rating of 119.8 ranked third in the league. In comparison, their defensive rating of 113.3 ranked seventh.
Hawks at Knicks Free SBG Picks
To conclude, sharps have the Knicks as preferred play given their performance in the previous game and their historical strength at home. New York has a 35-17 record against Eastern Conference foes. The total leans toward the under, given the recent defensive adjustments made by both teams. Although the Hawks averaged over 118 points during the regular season, the intensity of this playoff series has led to lower-scoring outcomes.
Hawks at Knicks SBG Best Bet: New York Knicks and Under the Total.