New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks Betting Tips, Predictions & Odds

New York Knicks entertain Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night in Game 2 of their first-round NBA Playoff series.

The Knicks secured fourth seed in the Eastern Conference to secure home-court advantage in the series but the Hawks claimed a 107-105 win in the opening game to seize the initiative.

With the next two games set to take place at the State Farm Arena, it is crucial for the Knicks to level the series before the two teams head to Atlanta, and there were a few encouraging signs for the New York outfit despite the defeat in Game 1.

New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks Betting Odds

New York Knicks to win - BET NOW

The Knicks went into the series as the favourites to progress but defeat in the opener has changed all that. Tom Thibodeau's men should have learned a few lessons from that loss though, and they can even the score with a victory before the teams head to Atlanta.

The key issue for the Knicks in Game 1 was a below-par performance from Julius Randle. The All-Star forward weighed in with just 15 points as he was unable to cope with being doubled teamed by the Hawks. Alec Burks and Derrick Rose nearly salvaged a win with some huge performances from the bench but ultimately the Knicks fell just short.

The Knicks forward has had to cope with being double-teamed all season and, in the days since that defeat, Thibodeau will have been working on ways to cope with the Hawks' defensive tactics. This may be another close game, but the hosts' need is greater and they should be able to fight back and tie the series.

New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks Team News

Both teams have a few injury issues but neither have any fresh concerns ahead of Game 2.

The Knicks will be without third-year center Mitchell Johnson due to a fractured foot he has been struggling with since the end of March, while Cam Reddish and Brandon Goodwin are out for the Hawks.

New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks h2h

The Knicks won the regular-season series 3-0, with two of those victories coming at MSG, but that counts for very little now the Hawks have opened this series with a victory.

Atlanta's Trae Young managed 32 points in the first game in his first appearance in the postseason and the third-year guard will be looking to put in another big performance.  

The Knicks will be looking to free up Randle in the second game but he did enjoy plenty of success against the Hawks in the regular season. The Knicks talisman had two 40-plus point games against Atlanta in the regular season and scored 112 points in total across the three games.

New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction

New York Knicks to win by 6+ points - BET NOW

The 4/5 on offer for a Knicks win appeals but, for a bit more value, the 7/5 on offer for a home win by six or more points in the winning margin market stands out.

Prior to defeat in the opening game, the Knicks had 11 wins in their last 12 home games and eight of those victories came by six or more points. The two teams are fairly evenly matched but, with home advantage, New York can level the series and they may just claim a big win as they bid to build some momentum ahead of what will be two tough games at the State Farm Arena.

New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks Betting Tips

1. New York Knicks to win - BET NOW

2. New York Knicks to win by 6+ points - BET NOW

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