The play-in tournament is behind us and we’re on to the first round. We’ll be doing previews for every series. Here is the Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks betting preview.
Here’s what I’m thinking for the first round of the NBA playoffs. Below this blurb are all the ranks for each team that I will discuss. Use this as a resource. I’ve consolidated offensive and defensive ranks (equation at bottom of table), offensive and defensive preferences, and pace of play. I’ve also tacked on recent performance, key injuries, and betting trends.
The hope is that we find overlap between a team strength and another team weakness, or vice versa. This is nothing more than a guide. I’ll be making a few picks at the end, but I hope more than anything that this helps give you a look into how each team matches up.
These series previews will be all-encompassing. Logically, any advantage that would apply for one team should hold pat for the entire series.
Let’s get to it. Follow me on Twitter, @griffybets, for all things NBA this postseason. Drop me a line with any feedback or ideas for stats you’d like to see included!
| Atlanta Hawks | New York Knicks |
| Offense rank: 11 Threes rank: 14 Pts in paint: 14 *** Defense rank: 10 Perimeter D: 4 Opp. pts in paint: 20 *** Pace: 24 | Offense rank: 25 Threes rank: 12 Pts in paint: 26 *** Defense rank: 1 Perimeter D: 3 Opp. pts in paint: 4 *** Pace: 29 |
| Last 10 Games | Last 10 Games |
7-3 | 7-3 |
| ATS record | ATS record |
39-32-1 | 45-26-1 |
| O/U record | O/U record |
35-37 | 32-40 |
| Odds to win Series | Odds to win Series |
-120 | +100 |
| Regular Season Head-to-Head |
Knicks won, 3-0 |
- Offensive/Defensive ranks calculated by averaging (points per game, EFG% and efficiency)
- Pace calculated by averaging (field goals attempted per game and possessions per game)
- Threes/Perimeter defense calculated by averaging (threes made per game and 3P%)
Shoutout to TeamRankings.com for the above stats. That site has everything you could ever ask for – this is just a taste of the numbers they consolidate for you. Consider perusing the site to dig into areas of the game you’re curious about.
Series Schedule: Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks
Game 1: Sunday 5/23
Game 2: 5/26
Game 3: 5/28
Game 4: 5/30
Game 5: 6/2
Game 6: 6/4
Game 7: 6/6
Thoughts on the Series: Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks
What immediately catches my eye is the #5 Hawks favored to win the series, despite the Knicks sweeping them in the regular season. This public betting sentiment aligns with the Knicks ATS record, the best in the NBA.
Disrespected and overlooked all season, it’s the Knicks I’ll be riding in this series.
The Hawks have strong balance on both ends and don’t rely on one offensive form of production over another. They should be able to take a game or two against New York.
Still, this Knicks defense is the best in the league. It’s what’s gotten to them to this point and it’s what will get them through to the second round.
I’m a sucker for a dominant defense and you won’t find one better than the Knicks. Julius Randle has had an incredible season and can make up for what is poor offensive numbers on paper.
Stat Leaders for Each Team
If you want to include some Hawks/Knicks in your DFS lineups or prop picks, the below players are where I’d recommend starting.
Atlanta
- Trae Young: 25.3 ppg, 9.4 apg, 17.7 FGApg
- John Collins: 17.4 ppg
- Bogdan Bogdanovic: 7.6 3PApg, 43.8% 3P%
- Clint Capela: 14.3 rpg
New York
- Julius Randle: 40.3 PRApg
- RJ Barrett: 17.6 ppg
- Nerlens Noel: 2.2 bpg
Favorite Bets for the Series
The Hawks have a strong offense that can hit you from both angles, but the Knicks defense should have the edge on them. New York shoots well from deep but lacks an efficient and consistent offense.
What I do like out of this series on a nightly basis is the under. Both teams come in ranked inside the bottom-six for slowest pace of play in the NBA. We’ll be picking our spots for this bet, but I’ll likely avoid player props in this series and bet the under.
I mentioned above, but I prefer New York in this series. I love the value at +100 – here’s to the Knicks.
GriffyBets Nightly Targets: UNDER Total Points Scored
Series winner: New York Knicks +100
Stay tuned for more NBA betting previews throughout the week. We’ll be breaking down each series here on KnupSports.com.
Related reading:
