The NBA Playoffs are officially here, with the second group of games tipping off on Sunday. The third game on today’s schedule features the Atlanta Hawks taking on the New York Knicks. The Hawks vs. Knicks NBA betting picks preview will overview these teams, the betting odds, trends and give an official prediction for the NBA Playoffs Round 1 series.
Hawks vs. Knicks Betting Preview: NBA Picks & Odds for Round 1 Playoffs
Hawks vs. Knicks Series Info
Atlanta Hawks (41-31) vs. New York Knicks (41-31)
Game 1: 5/23, 7 EST, TNT
Game 2: 5/26, 7:30 EST, TNT
Game 3: 5/28, 7 EST, ESPN
Game 4: 5/30, 1 EST, ABC
Game 5: 6/2, TBD*
Game 6: 6/4, TBD*
Game 7: 6/6, TBD*
*If needed
Hawks vs. Knicks NBA Betting Odds
Odds for Hawks vs. Knicks NBA Playoffs Round 1 series are from BetMGM Sportsbook.
Series Winner — ATL: (-120) | NYK: (+100)
The series will end in how many games?
- 4 Games (+700)
- 5 Games (+275)
- 6 Games (+190)
- 7 Games (+175)
What will the correct score of the series be?
Hawks:
- 4-0 (+1200)
- 4-1 (+550)
- 4-2 (+425)
- 4-3 (+425)
Knicks:
- 4-0 (+1400)
- 4-1 (+650)
- 4-2 (+475)
- 4-3 (+475)
Hawks vs. Knicks NBA Playoffs Preview
After a tough start to the season, which included a terrible February, the Hawks named Nate McMillan the new head coach. The move proved to be a wise one, and it was met with immediate success. The Hawks rattled off eight straight wins as they began to play hard on both ends of the floor. Atlanta ended the season strong as well, winning seven of their final eight games.
The Knicks also had a new head coach this season, with Tom Thibodeau taking control of the team. His impact is easy to see. Not only are the Knicks back in the playoffs, but they ranked third in the entire league in defensive efficiency, compared to 23rd just a season ago. Aside from their new commitment to defense, the development of Julius Randle is also a massive reason for this team’s success. Averaging 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game, Randle is among the most improved players in the NBA.
New York won all three meetings between these teams in the regular season. Their homecourt advantage in this series is also big, given their 25-11 home record this season.
Hawks vs. Knicks NBA Betting Trends
- Atlanta is 0-6-1 against the spread (ATS) in its last seven games against New York.
- Atlanta is 0-5 ATS in its last five road games.
- New York is 15-5 ATS in its last 20 games.
- The total has hit the under in four of New York’s last five games.
- New York is 6-1 straight up in its last seven games against Atlanta.
Hawks vs. Knicks Prediction
While the Knicks pulled off the sweep during the regular season, we won’t see that type of domination in the postseason. However, I still believe they are the better team, and I also don’t think the Hawks will win in New York. There will be at least one game where New York struggles to score, but the combination of Randle and Derrick Rose will be enough to get the wins at home and take this first series, despite them being the odds underdog.
Series Prediction: Knicks 4, Hawks 3
Hawks vs. Knicks Best Bet
Series Winner: Knicks (+100) at BetMGM
The best bet is to take the Knicks to win the series at even money. However, if you’re looking to play this a bit safer, you could take the series spread at Knicks +1.5 (-225) for a less lucrative but easier win. If you think the Knicks can get it done in six games, Knicks -1.5 in the series is +185 odds.
Follow us on all of our social channels! Check out our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for more great Awesemo content.
Need more sports betting information? Check out the Awesemo betting home page.
