New York Knicks (35-18) vs Atlanta Hawks (26-28)
Game Info: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 7:30 pm (Madison Square Garden)
Betting Odds: New York Knicks -8 -- Over/Under: 241 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
The New York Knicks (34-18) are set to host the Atlanta Hawks (25-28) on February 12, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are coming off a 131-104 loss to the Boston Celtics, despite a strong performance from Jalen Brunson, who scored 36 points. This season, Brunson has been a key contributor, averaging 26.3 points and 7.5 assists per game. Karl-Anthony Towns has also been instrumental, averaging a double-double with 24.0 points and 13.5 rebounds per game.
The Hawks recently secured a 112-106 victory over the Orlando Magic. Trae Young led the team with 19 points and 8 assists in that game. Throughout the season, Young has been pivotal for Atlanta, averaging 23.5 points and 11.4 assists per game. However, the Hawks have faced challenges on the defensive end, allowing an average of 118.6 points per game, which ranks them 26th in the league.
Trae Young Over 24.5 Points
Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young has been a pivotal offensive force during this NBA season. He’s averaging 23.4 points per game, ranking him 22nd in the league. His shooting efficiency includes a field goal percentage of 40.8% and a three-point shooting percentage of 33.6%. At the free-throw line, Young has been reliable, achieving an 85.7% free-throw percentage. Notably, he leads the league in assists, averaging 11.4 per game, underscoring his dual threat as both a scorer and playmaker.
Trae Young has cleared this line in four of his last six games. In those four games, we saw him score 30-plus points. For some odd reason, Trae Young always wakes up when he plays in Madison Square Garden. He is this Knick’s team's kryptonite. I can't help but take the over on Young's points in this spot.
Jalen Brunson Over 2.5 Three Pointers
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson has been a significant contributor from beyond the arc during this NBA season. He’s averaging 2.3 made three-pointers per game on 5.9 attempts, resulting in a 39.8% three-point shooting percentage. This performance is consistent with his previous season (2023-24), where he averaged 2.7 made three-pointers on 6.8 attempts, achieving a 40.1% three-point shooting percentage.
Jalen Brunson has been sharp from beyond the arc as of late clearing this line and six of his last 10 games. We’ve also seen him have a 30+ point game against the Boston Celtics and a 40+ point game against the Houston Rockets in the last week. He has a favorable matchup going against the Atlanta Hawks who allow 14.2 3-pointers per game to opposing teams which is the fifth most in the whole league. The fact that we could get plus money on this line is a steal.
Onyeka Okongwu Under 8.5 Rebounds
Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu has been a consistent presence on the boards during this NBA season. He’s averaging 7.9 rebounds per game, with 2.8 offensive rebounds and 5.1 defensive rebounds per game.
Okongwu has a bright future but I don't like this matchup for him when it comes to a rebounding perspective. We've seen him fail to get over eight rebounds and seven of his last 10 games. Now he has to play this New York Knicks team that is only giving up an average of 48.3 rebounds per game to opposing teams which is the fewest in the league. He’ll have his hands full dealing with Karl Anthony Towns all night.
Brad’s Pick See Above
AUTHOR: Brad Francis
