The New York Knicks will try to bounce back from a New Year’s Eve loss as they host the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on Friday night.
Atlanta looked better with a couple key players back in the lineup on Wednesday, and I’m taking it to cover tonight in my Hawks vs. Knicks predictions.
Keep reading to see a full breakdown of tonight’s matchup in my free NBA picks for Friday, January 2.
Hawks vs Knicks prediction
Hawks vs Knicks best bet: Hawks +6.5 (-105)
While there’s been little comparison between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks this year – New York has been by far the better team – things are looking up for Atlanta this week.
The Hawks have covered in each of their last three games and are coming off a 126-102 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
That win was powered by the return of Jalen Johnson – who missed one game due to illness – and Kristaps Porzingis – out 10 games with his own illness – who combined for 50 points in the victory.
While Atlanta continues to struggle on defense, it has enough firepower to stay in games when healthy, averaging 119.3 ppg on the season and scored 123+ points in five of its last six games.
That includes a 128-125 loss to New York last Saturday. In that game, the Hawks continued a trend of playing the Knicks tough that has dated back to last season, a stretch in which Atlanta has covered in four of six meetings.
The Knicks have covered in only one of their last five games, and are dealing with their own defensive struggles, allowing 125+ points five times in their last six outings.
The Hawks should be able to take advantage of those lapses and keep this one close, even on the road. I’m taking Atlanta to cover.
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Hawks vs Knicks same-game parlay
Along with taking the Hawks to cover tonight, I’m also picking the Over, as Atlanta has played above this total in four of its last six games – including the December 27 game with the Knicks, which was played to a total of 153 points.
I’m also backing Jalen Johnson to pick up a triple-double, as he’s come within one rebound or assist of that achievement in four of his last five games.
Hawks vs Knicks SGP
- Hawks +6.5
- Over 241.5
- Jalen Johnson to record a triple-double
Our "from downtown" SGP: Okongwu racks up on the glass
Onyeka Okongwu has picked up at least eight rebounds in each of his last four games, including a 14-rebound performance in Atlanta’s last meeting against New York.
Hawks vs Knicks SGP
- Hawks +6.5
- Over 241.5
- Jalen Johnson to record a triple double
- Onyeka Okongwu Over 7.5 rebounds
Hawks vs Knicks odds
- Spread: Atlanta +6.5 (-110) | New York -6.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Atlanta +220 | New York -270
- Over/Under: Over 241.5 (-110) | Under 241.5 (-110)
Hawks vs Knicks betting trend to know
The Knicks are 2-6 ATS over their last eight games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Knicks.
How to watch Hawks vs Knicks
| Location | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date | Friday, January 2, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN SE-ATL, MSG |
Hawks vs Knicks latest injuries
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