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The Atlanta Hawks will play the New York Knicks in an Eastern Conference matchup on Christmas Day. It's time continue our NBA odds series with a Hawks-Knicks prediction and pick.
The Hawks and Knicks will matchup on Christmas Day, but there might be a little bit of rain at the parade. Atlanta is likely going to be without Trae Young as he is unexpected to the clear the NBA's health and safety protocols in time to return to the team. The Hawks have six other players likely to still be in the protocols as well including two additional starters in Kevin Huerter and Clint Capela.
The Knicks have three players yet to clear the protocols after Immanuel Quickley was cleared on Christmas Eve. The Knicks open as home favorites over the shorthanded Hawks, which comes as little surprise given the Hawks' current roster situation.
Here is how FanDuel has set the Hawks-Knicks odds for this Christmas Day matchup.
NBA Odds: Hawks-Knicks Odds
Atlanta Hawks +7 (-110)
New York Knicks -7 (-110)
Over 209 (-110)
Under (-110)
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Why The Hawks Could Cover The Spread
The Hawks found a way to win shorthanded on Thursday vs. the 76ers, but this might be an even tougher ask in New York on Saturday. Cam Reddish and Delon Wright, two of the Hawks' healthy and active perimeter players, rolled their ankle Thursday during the win over the Sixers. It remains to be seen if they will be able to go on Christmas.
The following players are expected to be out due to NBA health and safety protocols: Trae Young, Danilo Gallinari, Clint Capela, Kevin Huerter, Timother Luwawu-Cabarrot, Sharife Cooper and Wes Iwundu. Iwundu was one of the Hawks' three new hardship 10-day players brought in due to the outbreak. Atlanta will now have to sign another player in order to have enough guys to play on Christmas.
With all of that said, it's clear to see why the Hawks are underdogs. In terms of what they should have left to play Saturday vs. the Knicks, they figure to be led by John Collins and Bogdan Bogdanovic, who each played a key role in the win over Philadelphia. If the Hawks were to have additional positive tests, this game may end up being postponed.
Why The Knicks Could Cover The Spread
New York is in much better shape roster wise heading into this one. They have just three guys on the health and safety protocols. Nerlens Noel, Miles McBride and Kevin Knox will miss this one if they do not clear protocols. Derrick Rose is also out for the Knicks with an ankle injury.
Julius Randle and RJ Barrett will look to the lead the Knicks to a win over the undermanned Hawks. Kemba Walker has been resurgent of late, averaging over 30 points per game since his return to the rotation. With the Hawks playing with a skeleton squad, New York could be in a good position here at home.
Final Hawks-Knicks Prediction and Pick
Take the Knicks to cover and win over the Hawks in this Christmas Day matchup. Atlanta won once under-staffed, but it will be tough to repeat the performance vs. a Knicks team that really needs a win. Trae Young may somehow clear protocols in time to play, as he's not officially ruled out yet. If somehow he does play, this pick obviously chances as would the odds.
Final Hawks-Knicks Prediction & Pick: Knicks -7 (-110)
