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Knicks Soar as Hawks Grapple with Dysfunction Ahead of Tonight’s Matchup

Atlanta, GA – The New York Knicks (21-9) ride a wave of momentum into tonight’s game against the struggling Atlanta Hawks (15-17) at State Farm Arena. The game tips off at 8:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on MSG.

The Hawks are reeling after a 126-111 home loss to the Miami Heat and are mired in a slump, having lost eight of their last ten games. Concerns mount over the team’s performance, particularly the defensive impact of star guard Trae Young. While Young is averaging 20.4 points and 8.8 assists since returning from an MCL sprain, the Hawks’ defensive rating plummets when he’s on the court. The team’s defense allows 126.56 points per game with Trae Young and just 117.17 without him. There are questions about Young’s long-term fit with the team are swirling, with some suggesting he could be a trade candidate. However, his substantial contract – including a $49 million player option for next season – complicates any potential deal.

Adding to Atlanta’s woes, center Kristaps Porziņģis is a game-time decision due to illness stemming from Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). N’Faly Dante and Eli John Ndiaye are out for the season.

Atlanta’s offense hasn’t been the biggest issue, however. Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are shouldering much of the scoring load, and the team boasts a fast-paced offense that ranks 12th in the league in points per game (118.6). Dyson Daniels is also emerging as a key player on both ends of the court, known as “The Great Barrier Thief!”.

The Knicks, meanwhile, are coming off a thrilling two-point Christmas Day victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. They are also without Josh Hart (ankle) and Miles McBride (ankle). Sophomore Tyler Kolek has stepped up in the absence to join Jalen Brunson in the backcourt. ESPN.com gives the Knicks a 65% chance of winning tonight.

The Knicks last defeated the Hawks 121-105 on April 5, 2025, powered by a dominant second quarter and a double-double from Karl-Anthony Towns.

All eyes will be on Atlanta to see if they can turn things around and pose a challenge to the confident Knicks.

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