New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks NBA Preview: Team Analysis, Betting Trends, and Prediction 2/15/23

Odds

2022-2023 season stats

Preview

The New York Knicks hit the road and will visit the Atlanta Hawks at the State Farm Arena on Wednesday night. These teams already faced each other three times so far this season and the Hawks lead 2-1 as they won the last meeting 139-124. Dejounte Murray had 29 points and 12 assists, Trae Young added 27 points and the streaking Hawks pulled away at the start of the fourth quarter to beat them.

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have had a solid season thus far, with a 32-27 overall record and a road record of 16-12. While their record places them in the middle of the pack in the NBA, they have a respectable standing within their division, ranking fourth in the Atlantic.

The Knicks have fared well against their Eastern Conference opponents, with a record of 22-16. However, they have struggled to rack up assists and currently sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with an average of 22.5 assists per game.

In their last game, they defeated the Brooklyn Nets 124-106 on Monday night, ending a nine-game losing streak against their city rivals. Jalen Brunson led the charge for the Knicks with an impressive 40-point performance, while Josh Hart contributed a season-high 27 points in only his second game with the team. Even with the Nets' star players Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on the court, the Knicks were able to outplay them in the second half, securing their first victory over the Nets in three years. Despite the loss, Brunson acknowledged the Nets' past success but credited the Knicks' second-half performance for their win.

Julius Randle is leading the charge on the offensive end for the New York Knicks, averaging an impressive 24.7 points per game on 46% shooting from the floor. However, the team has struggled with their three-point shooting, only connecting on 34.6% of their attempts from deep, which ranks 23rd in the league. The team has also struggled with their free-throw shooting, making only 77% of their attempts, which ranks 23rd in the league as well.

On the defensive end, the Knicks have been holding their opponents to an average of 112.5 points per game and a shooting percentage of 45.6%, which is the 12th best in the league in terms of points surrendered per game and the third best in terms of shooting percentage allowed. The team ranks 18th in adjusted defensive rating. The Knicks have shown they're strong in contesting shots both inside and outside the paint, with their opponents shooting only 34.9% from deep, the sixth lowest three-point shooting percentage allowed. The team has also been grabbing rebounds at a high rate, averaging 46.8 per game, which is the third-highest in the NBA.

In their last 10 games the Knicks are 6-4, averaging 116.0 points, 44.7 rebounds, 21.9 assists, 5.1 steals and 3.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.6 points.

Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks have been struggling in their recent games, having lost three out of their last five matchups. However, the team has been putting up a strong performance at home with a record of 15 wins and 11 losses, ranking them second in the Southeast Division.

In terms of their Eastern Conference games, the Hawks have a record of 17 wins and 18 losses. Despite this, the team has been able to maintain their offensive prowess throughout the season, ranking eighth in the league with an average of 116.7 points per game. One of the key factors contributing to their high-scoring games is their impressive shooting accuracy. The Hawks have been shooting at 47.9% from the field, which is a testament to their players' skill and dedication.

Let's talk about the Hawks' star player, Trae Young. This man is a scoring machine, leading the team with an impressive average of 26.9 points per game, shooting a solid 43% from the field. But it's not just Young that's been bringing in the points for the Hawks. When they focus on attacking the basket, they've seen more success, with a less-than-stellar 34.9% three-point shooting percentage, ranking 21st in the league. However, the Hawks have been cashing in at the charity stripe, with an impressive fourth-highest free-throw shooting percentage of 81.7%.

Defensively, the Hawks have been struggling a bit, allowing an average of 116.7 points per game, which puts them in 21st place for points given up per game. Their opponents have been shooting at a 47.8% clip, which is the 21st worst shooting percentage allowed. Not great, right? But, the Hawks have been saved by their perimeter defense at times, forcing their opponents to shoot a lowly 34.9% from beyond the arc, ranking eighth in the league. The Hawks' overall defensive rating isn't anything to write home about either, coming in at 21st lowest in the NBA.

Now, let's talk about the Hawks' rebounding game. They've been grabbing an impressive 43.89 rebounds per game, ranking 11th in the league. All in all, it seems the Hawks have some work to do on their defensive game, but with their strong offensive players like Trae Young, they're not out of the game just yet.

In their last 10 games the Hawks are 5-5, averaging 121.6 points, 46.8 rebounds, 27.0 assists, 7.1 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 49.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.0 points per game.

BETTING TRENDS

New York are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.

The total has gone OVER in 7 of New York's last 10 games.

New York are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.

The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 6 games on the road.

New York are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference conference.

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games.

The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Atlanta's last 12 games against New York.

Atlanta are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games at home.

The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference conference.

Prediction

The NBA season is in full swing and the competition is heating up. As we look at the upcoming match between the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks, there is no doubt that both teams have been putting on a show for their fans lately.

The Knicks have certainly stepped up their game, winning 5 of their last 7 matches and impressively taking down some of the toughest teams in the league. Their victories against the Celtics, Heat, and 76ers have demonstrated their resilience and ability to compete with the best. However, their record against the Hawks this season is far from perfect, as they have already suffered two losses against the team.

Speaking of the Hawks, while they have lost 3 of their last 5 games, they still hold a place in the top 10 in offense in the league, averaging an impressive 116 points per game. With a solid record at home and having previously outscored the Knicks in Atlanta, they are more than capable of securing another victory against their opponents.

As a seasoned observer of the game, my prediction is clear: the Hawks have the firepower and the home advantage to come out on top. Their ability to dominate on offense combined with their strong defense and excellent teamwork make them a formidable opponent. So take my advice and put your faith in the Hawks. They have what it takes to take care of business at home again.

PICK: Hawks -2.5 (-110)

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