New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction 4/30/2026 Today’s NBA Picks

The New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks do battle in Game 6 of the 1st Round at the State Farm Arena on Thursday night.

New York Knicks Betting Preview

The New York Knicks are now just one win away from advancing to the next round after making light work of the Hawks in a dominant 126-97 home victory in Game 5 on Tuesday. Jalen Brunson led the way with 39 points and eight assists on 15 of 23 shooting, OG Anunoby added 17 points with 10 rebounds while Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 16 points with 14 rebounds and six assists. As a team, the Knicks shot 57 percent from the field and 11 of 26 from the 3-point line as they stormed out of the gates with 35 points in the first quarter to jump out to an early double digit lead and they were ruthless as they kept their foot on the gas pedal right to the final buzzer. On the defensive end, the Knicks looked like a renewed team as they kept the Hawks in check from the start and they ended up winning the rebound battle by 48-27.  

Atlanta Hawks Betting Preview

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks have dropped the last two games and are now on the brink of elimination after getting trampled by the Knicks in an ugly defeat in Game 5. Jalen Johnson led the team in scoring with just 18 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, Dyson Daniels added 17 points with five assists while Onyeka Okongwu and Nickeil Alexander-Walker each scored 16 points. As a team, the Hawks shot 45 percent from the field and 13 of 42 from the 3-point line as they struggled to keep pace with the Knicks from the start and didn’t put up much of a fight in the second half, even in garbage time. CJ McCollum had a night to forget as he scored just six points on three of 10 shooting in 32 minutes of action. 

New York v Atlanta Free Prediction

The Knicks are keeping an eye on Josh Hart who is listed as a game time decision, while the Hawks have again ruled out Jock Landale. The Knicks looked to be in trouble when they were behind 2-1 in the series, but a couple of blowout victories put them back in a great spot to advance to the next round. The Hawks needed to respond after that poor defeat in Game 4, but they were always fighting an uphill battle in Game 5 and I don’t like their chances if they get off to another slow start. You can make an argument for the Hawks to spring the upset at home in a must-win game, but it would be an upset as the Knicks are clearly the better team and they will be too tough to beat if Brunson gets hot again. The line is nice and short so I will stick with the Knicks to get the win and cover in a closeout game.

Peter Tran's Pick: New York -2.5