After nearly 11 months of reliving the nightmare Game 6 loss to the Pacers in the East Finals, the moment for the Knicks is finally here.
The rival Hawks are in town, determined to pull off a Game 1 upset, but whether they can live up to their mighty underdog billing will be revealed on Saturday night.
For the second straight season, the Knicks enter the playoffs as the 3rd seed, ready to face a rising young team in Round 1. Last season it was Cade Cunningham and the Pistons, now it’s Jalen Johnson’s turn.
Newly installed coach Mike Brown emphasized a new offensive strategy, used the rotation more, and helped address previous inconsistencies, leading the team to 53 wins—two more than last season.
Of course, none of this matters to most now, as every team starts the postseason 0-0.
Knicks vs. Hawks prediction, best bets
It’s a consensus from enthusiasts and the media alike that the Hawks played extraordinary basketball down the stretch.
According to ESPN’s Hollinger stats, they prefer to play quickly, finishing the regular season with an average of 104.2 possessions per game, which ranks 4th in PACE.
Johnson developed into an All-Star caliber player, ranking first on the team in points (22.5), rebounds (10.3), and assists (7.9).
Newcomers Nickeil Alexander-Walker and C.J. McCollum provide a great deal of shot creation from the perimeter. The backcourt duo also has ample postseason experience with their previous teams, making 104 playoff appearances combined.
In order for the Knicks to erase their playoff missteps from last May, they’ll have to assert themselves and establish rhythm early.
Dyson Daniels will undoubtedly draw the assignment of Jalen Brunson, guarding him full court, likely aiming to exhaust him. Brunson’s tendency to draw fouls can counter Daniels’ physicality.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson’s inside strength can also offset Atlanta’s limited frontcourt depth.
While the Knicks are expected to maintain this advantage throughout the game and series, their 5.5-point favorite status indicates that a blowout is not anticipated by oddsmakers.
One line that stood out was the 2.5-point spread in the first half. It’s very possible that the Hawks’ inexperience leads to a slow start, and the Garden intensity throws them off.
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The Knicks’ ability to play a slower pace and make the game ugly should allow them to maximize their rebounding advantage.
Atlanta probably sinks shots later on in the contest as they get comfortable navigating the intense playoff setting, or maybe they don’t.
In either case, expect the Brunson and Towns pick-and-roll to secure the deal late for the Knicks.
The Plays: Knicks -2.5 1H (-115, bet365) | Knicks moneyline (-210, FanDuel)
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Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: nypost.com
