The New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks meet for the first time this season. Will the Knicks add Atlanta to their list of victims? Or, will the Hawks find a way to take down New York?

Catch this game live on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 9:00 AM, Manila time

Away: New York Knicks (21-9, 5-7 Away)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Jalen Brunson
  • Tyler Kolek
  • Mikal Bridges
  • OG Anunoby
  • Karl-Anthony Town

The Knicks had a great Christmas, as they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers at home on Friday, 126-124. And they also appear to have another player emerging as a key contributor to their already loaded roster. Former Marquette Golden Eagles star Tyler Kolek came off the bench and fired 16 points in the Cleveland win. Kolek has now averaged 14.0points with a 46.2 3 FG% in the last three Knicks games. 

He can sustain that form against Atlanta’s suspect defense, especially if he ends up getting a nod to start, as Josh Hart has already been ruled out for the Hawks game due to an ankle injury. The Knicks could also have Miles McBride in action again after missing several games because of an ankle issue as well. McBride has been upgraded to questionable, giving him a shot to play versus the Hawks.

The Knicks are 2-1 against the spread in their last three meetings with Atlanta.

Home: Atlanta Hawks (15-17, 5-10 Home)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Trae Young
  • Dyson Daniels
  • Zaccharie Risacher
  • Jalen Johnson
  • Onyeka Okongwu

The Hawks are scheduled to face the reigning NBA champions Oklahoma City Thunder on the road on Monday, but before that, they have to deal with Jalen Brunson and company at home first this weekend. Atlanta hasn’t looked right of late, particularly on the defensive side of the court. Keeping opposing offenses in check has been quite a challenge this season for the Hawks. 

If they are to beat New York, the Hawks likely will have to do it with their offense. But Atlanta is also not bereft of good defensive players. The Hawks have Dyson Daniels, who is among the league’s leaders in steals. They also have a solid rim protector in Onyeka Okongwu

. It may still be too much to ask for this Hawks squad to silence New York’s attack, but treating defense less of an option can go a long way for Trae Young and company.

Picks

Spread: Atlanta Hawks (+6.0)
Over/Under: Over (242.5)