New York Knicks (15-9) vs Atlanta Hawks (13-12)
December 11, 2024 at 07:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: New York Knicks -370 / Atlanta Hawks +295 — Over/Under: 232.5
This matchup between the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks on December 11th, 2024, at Madison Square Garden promises to be a battle of backcourts and pace control. The Knicks currently ranked fourth in the Eastern Conference, are led by Jalen Brunson, who has been pivotal with his scoring and playmaking. Meanwhile, the Hawks, sitting seventh in the East, rely on Trae Young’s dynamic ability to control the offense.
The Knicks boast a solid defensive unit, anchored by OG Anunoby, who contributes significantly to steals and blocks. Offensively, they benefit from Karl-Anthony Towns’ dominance in the paint and his rebounding prowess. The Hawks, on the other hand, have seen strong performances from Jalen Johnson, who contributes on the boards, but they face injury uncertainties with him and Trae Young both listed on the injury report. This game is significant as both teams jockey for position in the Eastern Conference, with potential playoff implications down the line. Both rosters bring contrasting styles that should make for an entertaining clash.
Jalen Brunson Over 25.5 Points
Jalen Brunson has had a strong scoring performance this season so far. He has averaged 25.2 points per game while playing 34.3 minutes per contest. His shooting has been efficient, with a field goal percentage of 49.6%, including 43.2% from three-point range on 6.2 attempts per game. He is also making an impact at the free-throw line, shooting 82.6% on 6.5 attempts per game. Brunson’s scoring has been consistent, highlighted by a season-high of 37 points in a game against Dallas.
Brunson has failed to score over 25 points in four of his last five games, but this is a great spot for him to bounce back. The Hawks’ kryptonite has been their poor defensive abilities, and they have lacked consistency on that side of the ball. The Hawks are giving up 119.8 points per game to opposing teams which is the third most in the league. In what should be a high scoring fast-paced game I have no problem backing the Knick’s leading scorer to go over his point line.
Clint Capela Under 9.5 Rebounds
Clint Capela is averaging 9.3 rebounds per game in just 22.7 minutes per game, reflecting his efficiency as a rebounder. Breaking this down, Capela is securing 5.6 defensive rebounds and 3.7 offensive rebounds per game. His rebounding percentage metrics are also strong, with a defensive rebound percentage of 26.8% and an offensive rebound percentage of 17.2%.
Clint Capella is one of the better rebounders in the NBA but this is a tough matchup for him. He’ll be matched up against this New York Knicks team which statistically is the best rebounding team in the league. They’re only giving up 48.4 rebounds per game to opposing teams which is the fewest in the whole NBA. In his last 10 games we’ve seen him have off nights rebounding the ball. For example, he had five rebounds against the Mavericks and only four rebounds against the Lakers. This is a great spot to fade capella on the glass.
Karl Anthony Towns Over 1.5 Three Pointers
Karl-Anthony Towns has been a strong presence from beyond the arc during this NBA season. He is averaging 10.5 three-point attempts per game while converting an impressive 44.7% of them. His efficiency makes him a key threat as a floor-spacing big man, complementing his versatile scoring skill set. Towns’ ability to consistently knock down threes enhances his value in the New York Knicks’ offensive system and makes him a vital component of their success this season.
In Karl-Anthony’s Town’s last 10 games, we’ve seen him have more than one three-pointer in seven of those games. The Hawk’s perimeter defense has been awful this season. They’re giving up 16 threes per game to opposing teams which is the most in the whole NBA. This should be a big night for Towns beyond the arc.