| Moneyline Pick | New York Knicks |
| Player Prop | Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 Points |
| Same Game Parlay (Bet Builder) | Knicks ML + Jalen Brunson 22+ Points + Jalen Johnson 8+ Rebounds |
| Check Live Odds | |
New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks Main Match Info
- Date and Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Venue: Madison Square Garden
- Location: New York City, USA
- Last H2H match: Hawks vs Knicks 105-108 (April 7, 2026, 2025-26 NBA regular season)
New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks Moneyline Prediction
- Moneyline Pick: New York Knicks
The Knicks finished the regular season with nine wins in their last 11 home games, including victories over the Raptors, Celtics, Spurs, and Rockets.
The Hawks, meanwhile, posted a 6-6 record on the road. They lost to teams like the Heat, Cavs, Celtics, Rockets, and Timberwolves.
Atlanta, led by the versatile Jalen Johnson, love to run. They rank sixth in points per game (118.5) and pace (102.1).
this is where it starts pic.twitter.com/0ptaNtJn1F
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 15, 2026
However, the Knicks under coach Mike Brown have improved their defensive identity this season, and they’re now fifth in points allowed. New York concede only 110.1 points per game.
If this clash is within three points with two minutes left, Jalen Brunson is the player most likely to make the difference. He’s made “clutch time” his specialty. While Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson has evolved into a legitimate star, the playoff experience and late-game poise of the Knicks’ veteran backcourt give them the upper hand.
New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks Player Prop
- Prop Bet: Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 Points
Atlanta have improved defensively since December, but they still struggle to contain elite, shifty point guards.
Throughout the 2025-26 campaign, the Hawks have often deployed a “drop” coverage in pick-and-roll situations to protect the rim, which is a favourite target for Brunson.
He excels at getting into the midrange, pausing, and hitting those leaning jumpers that are nearly impossible to block. That’s exactly why he recorded 30 points and 13 assists on April 7 in the last meeting against Atlanta.
SINCE WHEN DOES JALEN BRUNSON HAVE DIMES LIKE THAT IN HIS BAG?! pic.twitter.com/n3V3w4lt7E
— Knicks Memes (@KnicksMemes) April 10, 2026
In Game 1 of a playoff series, coaches tighten the rotation. Expect Brunson to see 40+ minutes if the clash stays competitive. More minutes equals more volume. With the Knicks playing at home, he’ll be looking to set the tone early.
After New York’s deep run to the Eastern Conference Finals last year, Brunson knows that a statement win in Game 1 is crucial for momentum.
He averaged 26.0 points per game during the regular season, but his history suggests he flips a switch when the bright lights of the postseason turn on.
THE REIGNING CLUTCH PLAYER OF THE YEAR: JALEN BRUNSON pic.twitter.com/cYTNEmviIP
— Knicks Fan TV 🏀🎥📺🏁 (@KnicksFanTv) April 7, 2026
Considering that Atlanta’s main point-of-attack defenders can be over-aggressive, Brunson should also find his way to the free-throw line frequently, providing a nice safety net for this “Over” pick.
New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks Same Game Parlay
- SGP: Knicks Moneyline + Jalen Brunson 22+ Points + Jalen Johnson 8+ Rebounds
Knicks ML: The Knicks won the regular-season series 2-1 for a reason: their size and physicality, particularly with Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart hitting the glass, tend to wear Atlanta down over 48 minutes.
Jalen Brunson 22+ Points: If the Knicks are going to win, it almost certainly requires a productive night from Brunson. Lowering the bar to 22 points (down from his 26.5 prop) adds a layer of safety and keeps the legs correlated.
Jalen Johnson 8+ Rebounds: Johnson has been a monster on the boards this season, averaging over 10 rebounds per game.
Even in a loss, he’s the key figure for Atlanta. Since the Knicks shoot a lot of midrange jumpers, there will be plenty of long-rebound opportunities for a wing like Johnson. In the last meeting with New York, he recorded 11 rebounds, so he shouldn’t have trouble grabbing more than eight this time.
New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks Team News
New York Knicks Team News
The Knicks enter the postseason relatively healthy, which is a rare treat for New York fans. The addition of Karl-Anthony Towns last season has completely changed their spacing. He’s been in great form in the past few months, providing a secondary scoring threat that prevents teams from doubling Brunson.
Jalen Brunson is the undisputed leader, but also watch for OG Anunoby. His health is vital. When he’s on the floor, the Knicks’ defensive rating improves. In the last game against the Hawks, he scored 22 points.
Atlanta Hawks Team News
The Hawks are one of the league’s biggest surprises in the second half of the season. Their defensive turnaround under the current coaching staff has transformed them from a “shootout-only” side into a real playoff contender.
Jalen Johnson has emerged as an All-Star talent, leading the team in points, rebounds, and assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has also made a major contribution with his perimeter defence and shot-making. He scored 36 points in the last game against the Knicks and will be a threat again.
New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks: Where to Watch (Canada)
- TV Channel: TSN
- Stream: Prime Video
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Alexander Yaremenko