The Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks are set to meet for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference First Round in the NBA Playoffs. The game will take place at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 8:00 PM. Fans can catch the action on NBC.
The Hawks recently lost to the Knicks by 16 points in Game 4, with a score of 114-98. Before that, they secured two close wins against the Knicks, with scores of 109-108 and 107-106. CJ McCollum has been a key player for the Hawks, scoring 32 points in Game 2.
The Knicks bounced back in Game 4 with a strong performance, winning by 16 points. Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby have been standout players for the Knicks. Towns recorded a double-double in Game 4, contributing 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Knicks Preview
The New York Knicks are in the Eastern Conference and part of the Atlantic Division. Mike Brown is the head coach. In the 2026 postseason, they have a record of 2-2. At home, they are 1-1, and away, they are also 1-1. Their recent streak is one win.
In their recent games, the Knicks won against the Atlanta Hawks with a score of 114-98. Karl-Anthony Towns had 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. OG Anunoby scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Josh Hart contributed with 10 points and 9 rebounds.
During the 2026 postseason, the Knicks averaged 110.2 points per game. They rank 8th in points per game and 6th in possessions per game. Their field goal percentage is 46.1, placing them 10th. They also rank 6th in three-point percentage at 37.6.
Defensively, the Knicks allow 104.0 points per game, ranking 7th. They average 7.8 steals and 4.2 blocked shots per game. Their opponents have a field goal percentage of 44.8. The Knicks rank 7th in three-point percentage allowed at 32.6.
Hawks Preview
The Atlanta Hawks have shown mixed results in their recent postseason games. They have a record of 2-2 in the 2026 postseason. At home, they have won one game and lost one game. Their away record is the same, with one win and one loss.
In their last game against the New York Knicks, the Hawks lost by 16 points. The final score was 114-98. Despite the loss, players like Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu contributed with rebounds and assists.
In an earlier game against the Knicks, the Hawks secured a close win by one point. The score was 109-108. Jalen Johnson and CJ McCollum were key players, with Johnson scoring 24 points and McCollum adding 23 points.
Throughout the postseason, CJ McCollum has been a standout player for the Hawks. He averages 24.5 points per game. Jalen Johnson also plays a significant role, averaging 19.5 points per game. The team aims to improve their performance in upcoming games.
Statistical Breakdown for Knicks vs Hawks
The game between the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks could be shaped by several key stats. The Knicks score more points per game than the Hawks, which could give them an edge. The Hawks struggle with their three-point shooting, ranking lower than the Knicks. Defensively, the Knicks allow fewer points per game, which might help them control the game.
- Knicks Points Per Game: 110.2 (8th)
- Hawks Points Per Game: 104.0 (14th)
- Knicks Three Point Percentage: 37.6 (6th)
- Hawks Three Point Percentage: 32.6 (14th)
- Knicks Points Per Game Allowed: 104.0 (7th)
- Hawks Points Per Game Allowed: 110.2 (12th)
Betting Insights
As the game approaches, bettors are looking at key trends to make informed decisions. Both teams have shown patterns against the spread and in over/under outcomes. These insights can help guide betting strategies. Below are the top five trends to consider for this game.
- The away team has covered the spread in 6 of their last 8 games.
- The home team has hit the over in 5 of their last 7 games.
- The away team has gone under the total in 4 of their last 6 games.
- The home team has covered the spread in 3 of their last 5 home games.
- The away team has hit the over in 7 of their last 10 road games.
Free Betting Prediction for Knicks vs Hawks
The New York Knicks have a slight edge in this game. They have been strong at home and have a better scoring average than the Hawks. Their defense also allows fewer points, which could help them control the pace. The Knicks’ recent win against the Hawks shows they can handle this opponent.
The Atlanta Hawks will need to improve their three-point shooting to compete. CJ McCollum and Jalen Johnson are key players for the Hawks. If they perform well, the Hawks could keep the game close. However, the Knicks’ defense might make it tough for the Hawks to score easily.
Considering the stats and recent performances, the Knicks are likely to win. They have the advantage in both offense and defense. The spread of -6.5 for the Knicks seems reasonable. The total points might go over 213.5, given both teams’ scoring abilities.
- Our Free Prediction: Knicks -6.5