The New York Knicks will head to Atlanta to take on the Hawks for Game 3 of this best-of-seven series. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Knicks-Hawks prediction and pick.
This series is dead even at one a piece as the Knicks and the Hawks have gone tit-for-tat through the first two games. The Hawks got the best of the Knicks in Game 1 as Trae Young put together a brilliant outing in his first ever playoff game. New York bounced back in a big way with a nine-point victory in Game 2 to even the series. Who will have the edge in this crucial swing game?
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Knicks-Hawks odds.
NBA Odds: Knicks-Hawks Odds
New York Knicks +4.5 (-110)
Atlanta Hawks -4.5 (-110)
Over 211 Points (-110)
Under 211 Points (-110)
Why The Knicks Could Cover The Spread
The New York Knicks should be grateful that they are headed to Atlanta with the series tied up. New York has gotten off to a very slow start offensively in the first two games and if it weren't for a plethora of three's in the third quarter of Game 2, the Knicks would likely be down 0-2. Julius Randle has looked flustered to open the series with identical 15 point and 12 rebound performances in the first two games. He looked a bit better in Game 2, but the Most Improved Player award recipient certainly has a ton of room for improvement in Game 3.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau has been relying heavily on his veterans as Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson registered 39 and 30 minutes in Game 2, respectively. Rose put together a brilliant performance with a team-high 26 points. Reggie Bullock added four made three's and Alec Burks delivered another solid outing off the bench with 11 points. RJ Barrett certainly has some room for improvement as well as the second-year guard shot 5 of 14 from the field. The Knicks defense was lethal in Game 2 and if they can replicate it for the rest of this series, they should be moving on.
Why The Hawks Could Cover The Spread
The Atlanta Hawks took a commanding 1-0 series lead with a tight victory in the series opener. Trae Young was electrifying in that crucial first game and put a dagger in it with a late floater to secure the victory. Young quickly became the villain in New York and faced a ton of adversity in Game 2. He accepted that role and delivered a 30-point performance, which included 20 first-half points. New York made proper adjustments to slow the young guard down, which opened up opportunities for his running mates.
Young tried to lead a comeback in the fourth quarter but the Knicks mirage in the third proved to be too much. Atlanta was completely shutout in the last five minutes of the game and will need to find a way to finish Game 3 on a higher note. Atlanta was much better when playing at State Farm Arena this season. The Hawks finished 25-11 at home and played much more efficient basketball on both ends of the floor. If the first two games were any indicator, we know that Trae Young is going to ball out. The key to victory for Atlanta will be the play of Bogdan Bogdanovic, DeAndre Hunter, Clint Capela, and the rest of the supporting cast.
Final Knicks-Hawks Prediction & Pick
Game 3 will certainly feature a ton of energy as these teams will play in front of a full house in Atlanta. Hawks fans will definitely try to match Madison Square Garden's energy in this pivotal swing game. Atlanta knows the importance of controlling home court with two of the last three games being played at the Garden. I believe the Knicks will actually loosen up a tad in this game and get back to playing the free style of basketball that they were for a long stretch of the regular season. New York is at their best when they knock down three's and play smothering defense. The Hawks couldn't seem to figure anything out in the second half of Game 2 and I have a feeling that'll carry over into this one. Now for the Knicks – Hawks prediction.
FINAL PICK: New York Knicks +4.5 (-110)
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