| MATCHUP | Atlanta Hawks | New York Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 16-19 | 23-10 |
| Spread | +7.5 -110 | -7.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | +250 | -310 |
| Total | Over 246.5 (-105) | Under 246.5 (-115) |
| Where | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY | |
| When | Friday, January 2, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:30 PM EST | |
| TV | MSG | |
Atlanta Hawks Betting Preview
The Atlanta Hawks lost to the Thunder, beat the Timberwolves, and they play the Raptors next. The Hawks have lost 11 of their last 14 games.
The Atlanta Hawks are averaging 119.3 points on 48.3 percent shooting and allowing 120.1 points on 47.8 percent shooting. Jalen Johnson is averaging 24 points and 10.4 rebounds, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker is averaging 20.3 points and 3.3 rebounds. Trae Young is the third double-digit scorer, and Kristaps Porzingis is grabbing 5.4 rebounds. The Atlanta Hawks are shooting 37.3 percent from beyond the arc and 78.2 percent from the free-throw line. The Atlanta Hawks are allowing 36 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41.6 rebounds per game.
NY Knicks Betting Preview
The NY Knicks beat the Pelicans, lost to the Spurs, and they play the 76ers next. The Knicks have won 22 of their last 29 games.
The NY Knicks are averaging 121.2 points on 47.8 percent shooting and allowing 114.7 points on 46.3 percent shooting. Jalen Brunson is averaging 29.4 points and 3.3 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 22 points and 2.9 assists. Mikal Bridges is the third double-digit scorer, and OG Anunoby is dishing 2 assists. The NY Knicks are shooting 38.6 percent from beyond the arc and 79.9 percent from the free-throw line. The NY Knicks are allowing 36.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 46.1 rebounds per game.
Why the New York Knicks will win
- The Knicks have won 20 of their last 21 games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Hawks have lost seven of their last eight games.
- The Knicks have covered the spread in 13 of their last 14 games at Madison Square Garden against teams that held a losing record.
- The Hawks have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven games as underdogs against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back.
Why the Atlanta Hawks will win
- The Hawks have won seven of their last eight games on the first leg of a back-to-back against the Knicks.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in eight of the Hawks’ last nine games.
- The Knicks have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Knicks’ last four games have gone OVER the total points line.
- Six of the Hawks’ last seven road games have gone OVER the total points line.
New York Knicks Player Facts
- Jalen Brunson ranks 7th amongst qualified players for points per game (29.4) this season.
- Tyler Kolek ranks 11th amongst qualified players for assists per 36 minutes (8.2) this season.
Atlanta Hawks Player Facts
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker ranks T8th in the league for fast break points (118) this season.
- Kristaps Porzingis is one of only nine qualified Centers in the league shooting at least 80% from the free-throw line this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Knicks rank 2nd in the league for H1 points per game this season (62.1).
- The Knicks rank 3rd in the league for points per game this season (121.2).
- The Hawks rank 3rd in the league for pace this season (102.3).
- The Hawks rank 27th in the league for free throw attempts per game this season (22.0).
Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks Injury Report
The Knicks will be without Landry Shamet and Josh Hart. Mitchell Robinson is questionable.
The Hawks will be without N’Faly Dante. Trae Young is questionable.
Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks Prediction
The Knicks have been dominant at home, where they’re 15-2 SU, and they’ve won 7 of the last 10 games against the Hawks. The Hawks have fallen off a cliff over the last few weeks. However, the Hawks are as healthy as they’ve been in a while, and 10 of their 16 wins this season have come on the road. Trae Young also gets up for New York and has a rivalry with the Knicks fan base.
While the Knicks have won most of the recent meetings, the underdog has covered 7 of the last 10 clashes. I like this number for the Hawks if Young plays. Check the injury report before betting. Give me the points with the Hawks.