Free NBA Pick: Hawks vs. Knicks NBA Odds
Looking for Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Hawks taking on the Knicks on Sunday, May 23rd, 2021 at Madison Square Garden, New York Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Hawks Knicks matchup.
2021 NBA Playoffs Handicapping Round 1
(0-0) Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks (0-0)
Date: Sunday, May 23rd
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
NBA Moneyline Odds: Hawks +107 | Knicks -116
NBA Betting Odds: Knicks -1.5
NBA Betting Total: O/U 215
On Sunday, May 23rd, the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks meet in the first game of the best of seven first-round series.
This is the third time the clubs will meet in the postseason having played in the 1971 and 1999 semifinals with New York winning both series.
Drawing each other in the first round could prove beneficial given the lack of experience since there are so many first-timers on each side.
The Hawks hold the all-time record between the clubs with 197 wins in 380 meetings. The Knicks swept the regular-season three-game series this year.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have the edge in playoff experience in the starting lineup with Tony Snell and Clint Capella possessing 38 and 61 games respectively. However, many of the core contributors will be making their first appearance.
Trae Young in particular will have pressure on him as the main playmaker and microwave scorer.
Young averaged 25.3 points, 9.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds but shot a meager 34.3 percent from deep. That’s down from 36.1% last season in spite of taking 3.2 fewer attempts.
In three games versus New York, Young averaged 24.6 points and 12 assists. However, nearly half his points came at the line as he averaged 11.3 free throws per game. Young shot 21 of 58 or 36.2 percent from the field and 3 of 14 from deep for 21.4%.
Brandon Goodwin (respiratory condition) and Cam Reddish (right Achilles soreness) are both out.
New York Knicks
While most of the Knicks have little to no playoff experience they do have Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson who’ve played in 46 and 66 postseason games respectively.
That won’t help the starters with only Reggie Bullock having postseason experience — all four games of it.
The two main offensive threats are likely Most Improved Player – Julius Randle and sophomore RJ Barrett. The latter benefitted from all his National team experience and being the alpha on those clubs where he produced under pressure.
For Randle, he’ll be in tough having to battle Capella and will need to be ready to be a decoy or move the ball as he’ll undoubtedly be the focus of the Hawks defense.
Randle can’t afford to try to force his will as that has tended to lead to turnovers. Immanuel Quickly could prove to be an x-factor but as a rookie, it might take him a few games to get comfortable.
Mitchell Robinson (fractured foot) is out indefinitely.
NBA Betting Trends:
- The Knicks are 8-2 in the teams last 10 head to head meetings
- The Knicks are 8-1-1 ATS in the last 10 head to head meetings
- Over/Under is 6-4 in the teams last 10 head to head meetings
- The Hawks are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games.
- The Hawks are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games on the road.
Free Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks NBA Prediction:
With the emphasis on lack of playoff experience, the coaches could be the biggest x-factors. Nate McMillan has been masterful registering a 27-11 record since taking over from Lloyd Pierce.
Tom Thibodeau has got the defensive buy-in from his team which they are used to and comfortable relying on. In addition, Rose and Gibson offer Thibs a real benefit having played for him in Chicago during the Bulls runs so they’ll be critical to helping get their teammates on the same page.
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