THE Atlanta Falcons will face the New York Knicks for the third and final time this season on Tuesday. Atlanta, which will be without injured Trae Young, will host a team that will be without three of its starters. The Hawks are in dire need of a win as they desperately cling to 10th place in the Eastern Conference.
New York walks wounded. They lost Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby injured. The Knicks also only had Jalen Brunson for a few minutes Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a left knee contusion. Brunson was deemed questionable, but Tom Thibodeau’s team is ready to compete even though the All-Star guard won’t be allowed to play.
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Dejounte Murray has been carrying the offensive load for the Hawks since Trae Young injured his left fifth finger. Murray is playing reasonably well but the others need to step up. De’Andre Hunter, Saddiq Bey, Clint Capela and Jalen Johnson are expected to step up to take pressure off the former All-Star.
Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks: Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips
The Knicks will host the Hawks at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York on Tuesday starting at 7:30 p.m. ET. MSG and Bally Sports SE-ATL will broadcast the game live. Streaming is also available by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.
Basketball fans can tune in to SiriusXM, ESPNY NY 98.7 and WZGC to follow the action.
Money line: Hawks (+120) vs. Knicks (-140)
Spread: Hawks (+2.5) vs. Knicks (-2.5)
Total (P/U): Hawks (o216.5 -110) vs. Knicks (u216.5 -110)
Editor’s note: Odds may change as the game approaches. The odds listed were consistent with information available at the time of writing.
Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks: Game Preview
The Atlanta Hawks are 2-2 since Trae Young injured his finger and underwent surgery. Not surprisingly, the Hawks offense struggled. Their assists are down and they’ve lost their most potent perimeter threat.
Atlanta doesn’t have many games to adjust to life without the All-Star guard. They are on a two-game losing streak and could fall to 10th in the East if they don’t start winning games.
The New York Knicks survived Jalen Brunson‘s was eliminated on Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers and won on the road 107-98. Brunson wasn’t there, but they got some great contributions across the entire roster. Tom Thibodeau will ask more of backup point guard Miles McBride if Brunson is inactive.
Josh Hart, who had a triple-double in the win, and Donte DiVincenzo will also have bigger loads to carry for the Knicks. New York is still fourth in the East, but could easily advance to the play-in tournament if it can’t maintain its hold. Beating the Hawks will give them some breathing space, so they’ll be eager to get another win.
Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks: Starting Lineups
SF – Saddiq Bey, SF -Jalen Johnson, VS -Clint Capela, SG – Bogdan Bogdanovic and PG – Dejounte Murray will open the match for the Hawks.
The Knicks will have SG – Donte DiVincenzo, PF – Precious Achiuwa, VS – Isaiah Hartenstein and SF -Josh Hart. Miles McBride will be the starting point guard if Jalen Brunson is inactive.
Editor’s note: These are projected starting lineups, which could change depending on the availability of players uncertain to play.
Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks: Betting Tips
Defeat Murray has a prop of 22.5 points over/under on Tuesday against the Knicks. The Atlanta Hawks guard averaged exactly the same result he was given after Young’s injury.
Atlanta will have a hard time winning games if they don’t have a big scoring night. It’s tough to score against New York’s defense and without Young to catch his eye, Murray will be his top priority. The former Spur might not surpass his points prop.
Josh Hart, who had an impressive game against the Cavaliers, receives a prop of 14.5 points over/under. Injuries to key players have forced Tom Thibodeau to rely more on the defensive ace to score points. Over his last five games, he has averaged 16.2 points on 40.8% shooting, including 41.4% from deep.
Hart is aggressive and will do whatever he can to help the New York Knicks. With the form he is in, he is likely to overcome his points.
Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks: Prediction
The New York Knicks are arguably more built for tough games than the Atlanta Hawks. New York’s uncompromising defense often results in a drawn-out brawl. The Knicks will make it difficult for the Hawks to score and defend with a ATS win.
