Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks (Game 5) Predictions, Betting Odds, Picks, Moneyline

Check out our NBA betting bonuses and promo codes here!

How to Watch Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks

Head-to-Head: Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks

ATL: Maintain Defensive Standards

After being swept during the season series against the New York Knicks, few saw that the Hawks would be up 3-1 against their conference rivals. Much of their success is based in their defensive approach.

The Hawks are holding the Knicks to 99 points per game on 40.3% shooting from the field. Also forcing 10.3 turnovers per game, the Hawks have adjusted to the Knicks’ slower pace.

How they’ve contained Julius Randle has been impressive as well. Ensuring he doesn’t have the opportunity to create, Randle is shooting 27.4% from the field and turning the ball over 3.8 times per game. If Atlanta can maintain the pressure defensively, this series is theirs.

Hawks Key Player: (C) Clint Capela

“[The Knicks] trying to play tough, push our guys around and talk s–t, but we can do that too. … We can push guys around too, we can talk s–t as well, so what you gonna do about it?”

Clint Capela talking that talk ?

(via @ATLHawks)pic.twitter.com/9J6Pem6wHg

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 1, 2021

He’s certainly not the focal point of the Hawks’ offence, but Clint Capela’s finishing ability in the paint and defensive acumen have made him a game changer in Atlanta’s First Round performances.

In Game 4 Clint Capela posted 10 points and 15 rebounds in 28 minutes of play. He led the Hawks frontcourt in net rating with a +19.

Capela is the main reason why Trae Young is able to initiate his offence so flawlessly of the pick-and-roll. If Capela continues to man the paint with conviction, the Hawks could cut out the Knicks’ playoff hopes early.

NYK: Find Multiple Contributors

It isn’t that the New York Knicks don’t have options on the offensive side of the ball, they’ve just been stifled when the opportunity arises.

Julius Randle is their talisman player but he’s been wholly ineffective throughout the series. If they want to get a win they need more production from their supporting cast.

Derrick Rose, RJ Barrett, and Julius Randle are doing most of the heavy lifting. Players like Reggie Bullock and Immanuel Quickley, who combined to shoot zero for seven in Game 4, are the x-factors to New York’s success.

Knicks Key Player: (G-F) RJ Barrett

Keeping Up With The Canadians ??

RJ Barrett | vs. Atlanta

21 POINTS
2 THREE POINTERS
6 REBOUNDS
4 ASSISTS
2 STEALS#NewYorkForever | @nyknicks pic.twitter.com/5uKlvbQXZJ

— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) May 31, 2021

Canadian international RJ Barrett is getting his first taste of playoff basketball. As the series has worn on, Barrett has grown more comfortable.

In Game 4 against the Hawks, Barrett posted 21 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals on 53.3% shooting from the field.

Barrett’s ability as a secondary ball-handler is invaluable to the Knicks, especially on plays where Rose or Randle are sealed off. In an elimination game, Barrett needs to have a strong performance to overcome the high-scoring Hawks.