The Atlanta Hawks (60-19) can extend a five-game home winning streak when they meet the New York Knicks (16-64). Action begins at 7:30 pm ET on Monday, Apr. 13 and can be seen on MSG and SPSO.
The Hawks played well in their last game, blowing out the Hornets 104-80 on Friday. Al Horford was a key piece with 15 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. The Knicks, meanwhile, are coming off an 80-79 win against the Magic on Saturday. Cole Aldrich claimed his fifth double-double of the season with 19 points and 14 rebounds.
When evaluating effective field goal percentage, the Hawks could have a healthy advantage on offense. They’re ranked third in the league in that category at 52.9%, while New York’s suspect effective field goal percentage defense is ranked 27th, allowing opponents to connect at a rate of 51.2% this year. Furthermore, the 29th-ranked offense of the Knicks (offensive efficiency of 97.0) will face a tough test against the fifth-ranked defense of the Hawks (defensive efficiency of 100.5).
The Hawks have emerged victorious in both games against the Knicks this year, including a 91-85 win the last time these two teams met. In the loss, Carmelo Anthony led all scorers with 25 points.
The odds for Atlanta and New York are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. The Hawks have gone 60-19 Straight Up (SU) and 49-30 Against The Spread (ATS). Over their last 10 games, they have had success covering the spread (7-3). The Hawks are one of the best in the NBA in terms of field-goal percentage, shooting an impressive .468 from the field. Atlanta is one of the most disciplined teams in the league with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.91. Opposing teams know they’re in for a battle when they play Atlanta’s stingy defense. The Hawks are one of the top teams when it comes to defense, allowing just 96.9 points per game. Atlanta’s defense can be considered one of the best in the league. The Hawks allow a .438 opponent field-goal percentage, one of the lowest shooting rates in the league. Atlanta’s defenders rank fifth in the NBA in steals with 9.0 per game. Atlanta is one of the league’s top scoring teams off turnovers with an average of 18.3 points per game. Atlanta will look to take advantage of the Knicks and their propensity to foul. New York ranks 26th in the league in fouls, averaging 21.6 per game.
As for their opponent, the Knicks have 16-64 SU and 33-45-2 ATS records. Against the Eastern Conference, New York is 10-40 SU and 22-27-1 ATS.
With the Hawks’ last win against New York, Atlanta moved closer to evening up its record against New York. It now stands at 4-6 SU over the last 10 meetings. The teams are even ATS, with a 5-5 record. Neither team held the edge in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers in a single game during this span.
Predictions: SU Winner – ATL, ATS Winner – ATL
Notes
New York averages 91.7 points per game, placing the team just 30th in the league. Atlanta ranks third in points allowed, giving up 96.9 points per game.
While New York puts up an average of just 91.8 points per game on the road (ranked 29th), Atlanta ranks third in points allowed at home, giving up 94.6 points per game.
In its last game, New York won by a margin of one point. Atlanta is 6-4 in games decided by three points or less. New York has a 2-7 record in close games.
The New York Knicks have a poor 13-23 record in games where they have allowed fewer than 100 points. The Atlanta Hawks are 20-11 when putting up less than 100.
When allowing 100 or more points in a game, the Knicks are just 3-41 this season. Atlanta is a superb 40-8 when registering triple digits.
The Hawks have a defensive rating of 100.5 (ranked fifth), while the Knicks have an offensive rating of 97.0 (ranked 29th).
The Atlanta Hawks have one of the best field goal percentages this season, ranking third in the league with a FG% of 46.8%. When their opponents record a similar or higher FG%, the New York Knicks have a subpar 2-38 record.
On average, Atlanta attempts 26.1 three pointers and New York attempts 19.6 per game. In games where the teams have 25 or more three point attempts, the Hawks have a formidable 38-12 record while the Knicks have a subpar 1-13 record.
The Atlanta Hawks, with an assist to turnover ratio of 1.91, rank third in the NBA. The New York Knicks have a lower A/TO (1.55), ranking 20th.
The Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks are two of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA. Atlanta is ranked 28th with 40.6 rebounds per game, and New York ranks 29th with 40.4.
The New York Knicks rank 18th in offensive rebounding, while the Atlanta Hawks rank 19th in defensive rebounding.
Atlanta is one of the top teams in forced turnovers, with opponents averaging a TOV% of 15.8% (ranked third). New York has an abysmal record of 4-21 SU this season when its TOV% reaches 15.8% or greater.
