The NBA playoffs continue on Thursday night with a crucial Game 3 between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks. Tipoff in Atlanta is set for 7:00 pm ET on Amazon Prime. This Eastern Conference first-round series is all tied up at 1-1 after New York took the opener before Atlanta survived a thriller on Monday.
Let’s dive into my Knicks vs. Hawks Game 3 prediction.
New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks odds
Money line: Knicks -310 / Hawks +395
Spread: Knicks +8.5 (-105) / Hawks -8.5 (-115)
Total: Over 218.5 (-110) / Under 218.5 (-110)
New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks best bet: Hawks ML (-110)
The Hawks have the momentum going back home to ATL after winning 107-106 on Monday after trailing by double-digits in the fourth quarter. The visitors did what they wanted to do with a split at Madison Square Garden, and they did without even playing anything close to their best basketball (granted, the Knicks also didn’t). Atlanta shot 9-for-30 from downtown in Game 2 and lost the rebounding battle by 11 — and still emerged victorious. It should also be noted that New York attempted 15 more free-throws than Atlanta throughout the first two matchups. It was no surprise to see the Knicks get some home cooking at MSG, but the same kind of free-throw discrepancy can’t be expected in Atlanta. It is true that home-court advantage has not been significant for the Hawks this season, but the Knicks are far worse on the road (22-19) than they are at home (30-10). They are 1-3 SU in their last four road games and 1-5 ATS in their last six road games.
CJ McCollum is on a roll for Atlanta. The veteran scored 32 points on Monday and has contributed at least 26 points in three straight games dating back to the regular-season finale. During this stretch, McCollum is 13-for-27 from the land of plenty. For New York, Mikal Bridges underwhelmed during the regular season and little has changed early in the playoffs. Through two contests, Bridges has given the Knicks next to nothing with totals of 21 points, three assists, and three rebounds.
Hawks hold off a 4th quarter comeback and get it again by 1 point 109-108.