The New York Knicks (48-28) will visit the Atlanta Hawks (36-40) will meet in the NBA this afternoon. Tipoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The game will broadcast live on NBA League Pass.
The Knicks are 3-point favorites over the Hawks on the spread (Knicks -3), with the over/under set at 237 total points. New York is a -150 favorite to win outright, while Atlanta is +125 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Knicks vs. Hawks predictions and NBA picks for Saturday, April 5.
Knicks vs Hawks Prediction
The Knicks are as high as 3-point favorites when they visit the Hawks today. However, this point-spread feels somewhat speculative on the news that Jalen Brunson could return after missing more than four weeks due to an ankle injury.
Nonetheless, while I like New York to win the game, my model makes the visitors no more than 2-point favorites. With moneyline odds as high as -175, a better option would be to back the Knicks in the first half, with the odds more palatable at -150.
My Pick: Knicks First Half Moneyline (-150)
Knicks vs Hawks Odds, Picks, Spread
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -110 | 237 -110o / -110u | -150 |
| Hawks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -110 | 237 -110o / -110u | +125 |
- Knicks vs. Hawks spread: Knicks -3
- Knicks vs. Hawks over/under: 237 total points
- Knicks vs. Hawks moneyline: Knicks -150, Hawks +125
- Knicks vs. Hawks best bet: Knicks 1H ML (-150)
My Hawks vs. Knicks best bet is on New York to win the first half, with the best line currently available at Fanatics. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks NBA Saturday Preview
You'd expect at least some sort of a response from the Knicks, considering they're coming off a 124-105 road loss to the Cavaliers. This season, when the Knicks are off a loss of 19 or more points, they're 3-1 straight up and against the spread.
Brunson's potential return should also help galvanize this Knickerbocker team that still managed to go 8-6 during his absence. The Knicks have a habit of turning up on the road against Atlanta, winning three of the last four meetings in this spot.
Moreover, the Hawks don't have much to play for as they look destined for a spot in the play-in tournament with six games remaining in the campaign. And although the Knicks are practically guaranteed to finish in the top six, they still have some work to do in locking up the No. 3 seed with the Pacers trailing by 2.5 games.
New York will also desire to get Brunson up to speed before the playoffs begin in a few weeks. Since the Knicks have only six games remaining in the regular season, they'll need to get right down to business. As a result, when you consider the motivational factor for both teams, you have to give the edge to New York.
Atlanta is often vulnerable during the first half, allowing a league-worst 60.9 points. With the Knicks on a 4-1 run in the first half straight up and against the spread, my model makes them a bigger favorite in this spot than for the entire game. I recommend taking advantage of a favorable first-half moneyline price available at -150.
Knicks vs Hawks Betting Predictions
Now that we've locked in the Knicks 1H moneyline, I'll also add the play as part of a same-game parlay. Given the high total that's up to 236.5, we could certainly be in store for a back-and-forth affair.
Therefore, it makes sense to consider some players who can outperform their scoring props. New York's Josh Hart is one player who has caught my attention, as his points prop of 13.5 feels a bit low.
While Hart has stayed under this number in five of his last six road games, he did finish with 19 points his last time away from home when facing the Cavaliers. Moreover, if we look at his performance in this series, Hart has exceeded 13.5 points in five straight games against the Hawks.
Although he can be streaky at times, this is a matchup that clearly suits his skill set. Look for Hart to back up his performance against the Cavs with another strong effort in Atlanta.
Best Bet: Knicks First Half ML (-150)
Knicks vs Hawks Parlay Picks
- Josh Hart Over 13.5 Points
- Knicks First Half Moneyline
Parlay Payout: +215
