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Atlanta (0-1) at New York (1-0)
- When: Apr 20 2026, 8:00 PM
- Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, USA
- TV: NBC/Peacock
Atlanta vs New York Preview & Prediction
Spread: New York -6.0
Moneyline: New York (-235)
Total: 218.5
New York Knicks: Fast Start Firepower
Ah yes, the Knicks. The team that shows up, punches you in the mouth early, then politely lets everyone else join the party. Jalen Brunson came out in Game 1 like he had dinner reservations, dropping 19 of his 28 points in the first quarter alone. After that? He basically clocked out and let the supporting cast handle business.
And they actually did. OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges combined for 54 points like it was a group project where everyone actually contributed. Rare stuff.
Defensively, New York basically flipped a switch in the second half and turned Atlanta into a rec league team. You shoot 50% from three in the first half and then forget how basketball works in the second? That’s Knicks defense for you.
Bottom line: this team is deep, balanced, and annoyingly disciplined. Also, they love ruining your “maybe the Hawks can hang” narrative.
Atlanta Hawks: Second Half Collapse
The Hawks came in hot… and then immediately turned into a microwave with no power.
They were right there at halftime, shooting 45.5% and hitting 50% from deep. Everything looked promising. Fans were feeling good. Bettors were thinking “live dog?” Yeah… about that.
Second half? Absolute disaster. 28.6% from three, 19 points in the third quarter, and suddenly the offense looked like five guys meeting each other for the first time. No rhythm, no urgency, just vibes… bad ones.
Jalen Johnson and company tried to make it interesting late with an 11-0 run, but that was more cosmetic than threatening. The Knicks were basically already halfway to the locker room.
And let’s be real, this team without Trae Young has moments, but consistency? That’s asking a lot.
LVSB NBA Playoffs Prediction
Knicks -6.0? Yeah, that number feels like it’s daring you to overthink it. New York already showed they can control the game, dictate pace, and shut Atlanta down when it matters.
Unless the Hawks suddenly remember how to score for four quarters, this is another spot where the Knicks grind them down and pull away late. Depth matters, defense matters, and right now New York has both.
Total at 218.5 is interesting. Atlanta can score, but only when they feel like it apparently. Knicks defense in the second half leans this toward the Under, unless the Hawks decide to participate for a full game.
Final Score: Knicks 111, Hawks 101
Lean: New York -6.0
Total: Under 218.5
- NBA Playoffs Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
