The first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs tips off as one of the hottest teams in the Association takes on a powerhouse looking to take the next step and maximize its title chances.
The Atlanta Hawks have soared since the All-Star break, and my Hawks vs. Knicks predictions expect them to cover the spread against the New York Knicks on the road.
Here are my best free NBA picks for Saturday, April 18.
Hawks vs Knicks Game 1 prediction
Hawks vs Knicks best bet: Hawks +5.5 (-115)
After another middling start, the Atlanta Hawks have done a complete 180. Moving on from Trae Young and adding veteran leader CJ McCollum were the moves that pulled Atlanta out of the Play-In Tournament and into a favorable playoff position.
Since the All-Star break, only the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder sport better records than the 20-6 Hawks. In that span, the Hawks went a league-best 18-8 ATS, including a 6-4 mark on the road, which ranked fifth.
After the break, the New York Knicks went 13-14 ATS, just 15th in the NBA. The Knicks won the season series with the Hawks two games to one, but Atlanta covered twice in three games.
Atlanta’s ability to knock down three-pointers should give New York fits.
The Knicks have struggled to defend the three-point line this season, allowing the 10th-most three-pointers (13.9) and the 11th-highest three-point percentage (36.2%). Over the last 15 games, New York has given up 14.5 triples at a 38.1% clip.
The Hawks rank in the top-10 in three-point attempts (39.5), three-point makes (14.6), and three-point percentage (37.1%) this season. In three tilts with New York, Atlanta knocked down 37.2% of its 121 triple attempts.
After the break, Atlanta owned the seventh-best offensive rating (119.8), second-best defensive rating (109.5), and third-best net rating (10.3). Given the team’s recent success and advantage from the perimeter, I’ll take the Hawks to cover a modest spread on the road.
Hawks vs Knicks Game 1 same-game parlay
The Knicks closed out the final 10 games of the regular season with the slowest pace in the Association. The Hawks ranked 15th. Both teams finished with top-12 defensive ratings, and neither gave up many points down the final stretch.
This one could get chippy, so I’ll bet on defense and pace dictating the final score here.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker finished with 21+ in 10 of his last 14 games while averaging a team-high 24.6. He lit up New York to the tune of 28 points per game in three matchups, scoring 21+ in each of them. Don’t expect him to regress in the playoffs.
Hawks vs Knicks SGP
- Hawks +5.5
- Under 216.5
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 20.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Raining Treys!
The Hawks have been hot since the break, and their lethal combination of strong defense and a barrage of three-pointers gives them a puncher’s chance to emerge victorious and complete the upset at Madison Square Garden.
Alexander-Walker knocked down 3.2 triples per game this season, and he nailed 4+ in 29 of 78 games. He ended the season on a high note, hitting that many three-pointers in five of his final seven games while shooting 47.6% from beyond the arc.
CJ McCollum averaged 3.3 triples on 50% shooting over the final four games of the season, knocking down three in his last game against the Knicks.
Jalen Johnson hit a career-high 1.7 triples this season, hitting multiple treys in 37 of 72 appearances, including three against the Knicks on April 6.
Hawks vs Knicks SGP
- Hawks moneyline
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 3.5 made threes
- CJ McCollum Over 2.5 made threes
- Jalen Johnson Over 1.5 made threes
Hawks vs Knicks odds for Game 1
- Spread: Hawks +5.5 (-115) | Knicks -5.5 (-105)
- Moneyline: Hawks +185 | Knicks -225
- Over/Under: Over 216.5 | Under 216.5
Hawks vs Knicks betting trend to know
The Atlanta Hawks have hit the Moneyline in 31 of their last 50 games (+14.55 Units / 12% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Knicks.
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, TSN4 |
Hawks vs Knicks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
