Our NBA player prop projections are locked in for Saturday's highly anticipated first-round playoff opener between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks, with the model flagging some good opportunities to exploit.
These Hawks vs. Knicks NBA player prop projections aren't based on anything other than the numbers, and we've found the strongest edges and value.
Here are the model's top NBA picks for Saturday, April 18.
Hawks vs Knicks computer picks for Game 1
 Hawks |
 Knicks |
|---|---|
| Alexander-Walker u20.5 points -105 |
Anunoby o15.5 points -112 |
| McCollum o3.5 assists -105 |
Towns o11.5 rebounds -105 |
| Kuminga o9.5 points -120 |
Anunoby o4.5 rebounds -150 |
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Hawks Game 1 computer picks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Under 20.5 points (-105)
Projection: 18.63 points
Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a volume-dependent scorer stepping into a brutal playoff environment at Madison Square Garden.
The New York Knicks' defense ranks among the league's best, and while NAW might land a few triples, he hasn't shown the consistency to regularly crack 20 points.
At 18.63 projected, the cushion here is real, and it's a good idea to play the Under.
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CJ McCollum Over 3.5 assists (-105)
Projection: 4.25 assists
CJ McCollum is a natural playmaker who thrives in pick-and-roll situations, consistently making plays to cutters and kick-outs to three-point snipers.
At 3.5 assists, this line underestimates his playmaking ceiling, which is projected at 4.25 with an 80% hit rate.
The value is clear for something McCollum has done in six of his previous seven games.
Jonathan Kuminga Over 9.5 points (-120)
Projection: 10.69 points
Jonathan Kuminga brings explosive athleticism and finishing ability that make scoring at least 10 points a modest ask.
Projected at 10.69 points, he's shown throughout his career a capability to attack the paint and generate easy buckets in transition.
With an 80% hit rate and -120 juice, this is one of the sharpest Overs on the board tonight for a player who's scored at least 10 points in five of his previous six games.
Knicks Game 1 computer picks
OG Anunoby Over 15.5 points (-112)
Projection: 16.86 points
OG Anunoby is built for playoff basketball with his relentless off-ball movement, elite finishing at the rim, and a mid-range game that's quietly become reliable.
The Knicks need him to produce, and 15.5 points is a number he's more than capable of eclipsing.
He's cleared his prop number in three of his past five games, averaged 16.7 ppg during the regular season, and we're getting a good price for Anunoby's NBA player prop.
Karl Anthony Towns Over 11.5 rebounds (-105)
Projection: 12.75 rebounds
Karl-Anthony Towns is one of the most gifted rebounding big men in the league, and the Knicks will need him crashing the glass hard in today's playoff opener.At nearly plus-money, and projected at 12.75 rebounds, Towns' line of 11.5 is reachable.
With a ceiling of 22 rebounds and an 11.9-rebound floor, I'll back the Knicks center to snag at least a dozen boards tonight.
OG Anunoby Over 4.5 rebounds (-150)
Projection: 5.93 points
Anunoby is an active and instinctive rebounder who consistently outworks opponents on the glass. In a physical playoff atmosphere, his effort level only rises.
The Knicks forward has cleared his rebounding mark in five of his previous six games, and with him getting at least 30 minutes today, he should be good for five or more rebounds against Atlanta.
How to watch Hawks vs Knicks Game 1
| Location | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date | Saturday, April 18, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Prime Video |
Not intended for use in MA.
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