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Hawks vs. Knicks prediction: New York to win, Jalen Brunson projected for big game in Game 1 [2026 NBA Playoffs]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks predictions for NBA Playoffs Saturday.
NBA Playoffs action continues on Saturday at 6:00 PM ET as the Atlanta Hawks take on the New York Knicks in Game 1 of their 2026 NBA Playoffs series at Madison Square Garden.
Based on updated simulations and today’s injury updates, Dimers' advanced NBA model predicts the Knicks as the most likely winner of the Hawks vs. Knicks Game 1 matchup.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Knicks lineup will feature stars like Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, while the Hawks will be led by Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and CJ McCollum.
This article offers a closer look at Saturday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Hawks vs. Knicks prediction: Who will win Game 1?
Using powerful machine learning and data, we have simulated the result of Saturday's NBA Playoffs matchup between the Hawks and Knicks, forming part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our famous predictive model currently gives the Knicks a 71% chance of defeating the Hawks in Game 1 of the series. Our predicted final score has the Knicks winning 112-105.
According to our model, the Knicks (-6) have a 51% chance of covering the spread, while the 217.5-point over/under has an equal 50-50 chance of hitting.
Hawks vs. Knicks Game 1 odds
We have researched the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Hawks | Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +6 (-110) | -6 (-110) |
| Moneyline | +200 | -225 |
| Total | o217.5 (-112) | u217.5 (-105) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Hawks vs. Knicks picks and best bet for Game 1
After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Knicks -6 | -110 |
| Moneyline | Knicks | -225 |
| Total | Under 217.5 | -105 |
According to our NBA best bets, the top play to make on this game is Knicks to win.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Hawks vs. Knicks Game 1 player props
Looking for Atlanta vs. New York NBA player props? We have crunched the numbers to project how each team's leading players will perform at Madison Square Garden.
Jalen Johnson is expected to lead the Hawks with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists, while Jalen Brunson is projected to have 26 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists for the Knicks.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Hawks prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Hawks are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Johnson | 23 | 11 | 8 | 2 | 54 |
| N. Alexander-Walker | 21 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 38 |
| CJ McCollum | 19 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 34 |
| Onyeka Okongwu | 14 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 33 |
| Dyson Daniels | 12 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 33 |
Knicks prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Knicks:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | 26 | 3 | 8 | 3 | 46 |
| K. Towns | 20 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 46 |
| OG Anunoby | 18 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 35 |
| Mikal Bridges | 14 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 29 |
| Josh Hart | 11 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 31 |
Hawks vs. Knicks Game 1 updates and essential details
Saturday's Game 1 between the Knicks and Hawks in the NBA Playoffs is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM ET.
- Who: Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks
- Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM ET/3:00PM PT
- Venue: Madison Square Garden
- NBA Playoffs bracket: Updated NBA Playoffs bracket and schedule
The NBA Playoffs is an annual elimination tournament held to decide the league's champion.
A total of 16 teams, including the Hawks and Knicks, reached the NBA Playoffs 2026, which consists of four rounds: the First Round, Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and NBA Finals.
Each round is contested as a best-of-seven series, with the first team to four wins progressing to the next round until a champion is crowned.
Conclusion
We predict the Knicks, with a 71% win probability, will likely beat the Hawks in Saturday's NBA playoffs matchup.
Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.
Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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