Hawks vs Knicks: New York Are Big, Capable in the Paint, and Have Been Playing Solid Defence

• The Atlanta Hawks are hoping to bounce back after a blowout loss.
• The New York Knicks look to climb above .500 on the season.
• The Knicks won last year's regular season series against the Hawks, 3-1.

Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks Predictions and Picks

The Hawks are sure to come out aggressively after their last loss, but the Knicks will be a difficult team for them to manage. New York are big, capable in the paint, and have been playing solid defence.

Picks:

New York Knicks def. Atlanta Hawks

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

Injury Report

ATL: Limit Mistakes, Protect the Rim

The Atlanta Hawks are coming off of a devastating loss in their last game, a blowout to the Toronto Raptors. Not only did they struggle to create, but the Hawks failed to put up much of any resistance at the rim.

In their last game the Hawks allowed their opponents to shoot 55.2% from two-point range, with only three of those field goals coming from outside the paint. Paired with their 18 turnovers, the Hawks set themselves up for failure.

The Knicks are a team that loves to attack the rim, ranking second in the league in two-point field goals made and attempted per game. If Atlanta can challenge at the rim and compete on the glass, they'll have a good chance at getting back on the winning track.

Hawks Key Player: (G) Trae Young

The Atlanta Hawks go as Trae Young does. One of the league's premiere talents at point guard, Young sets the tone for the Hawks' offence. If they hope to beat the Knicks, Young will need to improve on what was a terrible outing for him in his last game.

Trae Young's last game was nothing to write home about. In a loss to the Toronto Raptors Young posted 14 points, 10 assists, and 10 turnovers on 3 of 13 shooting from the field. He was a game-low minus-29 and was one of the key factors for the Hawks' struggles.

Young struggled against the length of the Toronto Raptors lineup, a more traditional roster in the Knicks will welcome him. He needs to get off to a stronger start, as he opened last game with 7 assists, but 4 of his 10 turnovers.

NYK: The Knicks Can't let their Defence Falter

The New York Knicks have come into this season on a mission to reclaim their place amongst the top teams in the Eastern Conference. While they've benefitted from a rather easy schedule to open, their defence seems much improved.

After a dreadful defensive year, the Knicks are now holding their opponents to 42.9% from the field and 33.2% from three-point range - good enough for second and sixth-best in the NBA. The addition of Jalen Brunson has bolstered their play on both ends, and helps contain their opponents at the point of attack.

They'll need to be consistent against the Atlanta Hawks who aren't the best three-point shooting team in the league, but their threat to shoot from every position opens up their paint opportunities - seen through their 33.7 two-point field goals per game (first in the league).

Knicks Key Player: (F) Julius Randle

The New York Knicks are at their best when they can establish a presence inside. Key to that gameplan is forward Julius Randle, who has taken a step back in responsibility this season in order for the Knicks to thrive as a team.

Julius Randle's usage still leads the team, but he's shown a focus on playmaking as well as scoring. In his last game, a loss to the Cavaliers, Randle posted 15 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals in 32 minutes of play.

Randle struggled to score against the Cavaliers' tall front court, but he'll receive little reprieve against the Hawks' sixth-ranked block rate. If Randle can find his range early and remain efficient, it'll open up much more opportunity for the Knicks offensively.

How to Watch Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks

• Who: Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks
• Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
• When: 7:30 PM EST, Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022
• How to Watch: MSG Network, Bally Sports Southeast, NBA League Pass (Stream)