Knicks vs Hawks predictions
When the New York Knicks hit the court against the Atlanta Hawks, fans should keep an eye on Karl-Anthony Towns and his towering presence. Expect Towns to be the rebounding machine he's known to be, likely grabbing around 13 boards while also contributing significantly on the scoring front with around 25 points. Mikal Bridges isn't expected to shy away from the spotlight either; his consistent performance could see him dropping near 19 points and dishing out a few assists. Although Jalen Brunson might be on the sidelines due to an ankle sprain, players like Josh Hart and OG Anunoby will surely step up. Hart, with his hustling play style, might very well scrap for a double-double, balancing points and rebounds. Anunoby’s defensive prowess will likely make an impression, featuring a few steals and solid contributions on both ends of the court.
Over on the Atlanta Hawks’ side, Trae Young’s dynamic play could set the tempo for the squad. Despite a lingering day-to-day status, you can't count Young out—he's always a threat with his explosive scoring and symphonic assists. I'd wager he could be looking at providing around 24 points and 10 assists, as he orchestrates the Hawks’ offensive symphony. Then there's Onyeka Okongwu, whose rebounding and inside presence should not be underestimated. I wouldn't be surprised if he snags a solid number of boards while quietly but confidently contributing on offense. Youngsters like Dyson Daniels could also make pivotal plays, with an expected contribution of approximately 15 points and a few steals to spice things up.
So, who’s going to walk away with the W in Atlanta? It's a tough call given the regular season series is tied at 2-2, but the Knicks might have a slight edge here. Their strong road record suggests they've been thriving away from Madison Square Garden. With Towns patrolling the paint and their cohesive unit stepping up in Brunson's absence, I reckon the Knicks will eke out a victory, albeit a closely contested one. Of course, never underestimate the fiery spirit of Trae Young and the home advantage for the Hawks. This one might go down to the wire! What do you think? Will the Big Apple squad prevail, or will the Hawks soar to victory at State Farm Arena?