Knicks vs Hawks 2026 NBA Playoffs Prediction, Experts Picks
The New York Knicks (No. 3 seed) face the Atlanta Hawks (No. 6 seed) in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The series tips off this weekend with the Knicks as heavy favorites.
Series Odds (DraftKings)
Knicks to win series: -275
Hawks to win series: +220
Series Spread: Knicks -1.5
Total Games: Over/Under 5.5 (-110)
Expert Picks
CBS Sports: Both writers pick the Knicks to win the series. They highlight New York’s superior roster, defensive strength, and experience as the main reasons they expect the Knicks to advance comfortably.
NBA.com: Picks the Knicks in six games. Analysts point to the Knicks’ elite half-court offense led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, combined with strong home-court advantage at Madison Square Garden.
The Athletic: Predicts Knicks in 6. They note that while Atlanta has momentum and some offensive firepower, the Knicks’ defensive structure and ability to exploit Atlanta’s switches make this a difficult matchup for the Hawks.
ESPN: The majority of experts pick the Knicks to win in six or seven games. They view this as a winnable but not easy series for New York due to Atlanta’s scoring ability when hot from three.
Sports Betting Dime / Action Network: Leans toward the series going over 5.5 games. They believe the Knicks rarely sweep or finish series quickly and expect Atlanta to push New York and win at least one or two games.
Fansided: Knicks in 6. They emphasize that the Hawks’ late-season run came mostly against weaker competition, and facing a fully healthy and motivated Knicks team in the playoffs is a much tougher challenge.
Analysis from Matt Moore & Brandon Anderson
Matt Moore picks the Knicks moneyline at -275. He calls the matchup a nightmare for Atlanta defensively, especially against Brunson, Towns, and Anunoby. He expects New York’s offense to repeatedly exploit the Hawks’ inability to switch.
Brandon Anderson recommends a series outcome portfolio: Knicks in 6 (+450), Knicks in 7 (+400), and Hawks in 6 (+800). He also likes Knicks first-half lines in Game 1 and several player prop overs, particularly threes from Hawks shooters against the Knicks.
Bottom Line
All major sites and experts are picking the Knicks to win the series, with most expecting it to go six or seven games. The Knicks are the clear favorite due to better talent, defense, and playoff experience, but the Hawks should be able to make it competitive and extend the series.
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