Hawks vs Knicks Picks and Predictions: Young Binges on MSG

The New York Knicks have finally adjusted. Coach Tom Thibodeau will continue to roll out his new nine-man rotation, meaning several pieces will no longer receive minutes. The results were positive in the first test drive as New York defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 92-81. 

The Atlanta Hawks enter failing to meet the expectations this season. They’ve won only four out of their last 10, with scrutiny about the relationship between their franchise player, Trae Young, and head coach Nate McMillan. 

Find out the best options with our free NBA picks and predictions for the Hawks vs. Knicks on Wednesday, December 7.

Hawks vs Knicks best odds

Hawks vs Knicks picks and predictions

The competitive nature between Trae Young and the New York Knicks is no secret. Dating back to their first-round playoff series in 2021, where the Hawks bested New York in five games, Young has made it a mission to pounce on the Knicks any chance he gets. 

Over his first five seasons, Young has been remarkable against New York, treating every contest like Game 7 of the NBA Finals. In 14 regular season career matchups, Young is averaging an impressive 27.9 points per game. His first-round playoff series against New York was even more special, as he averaged 29.2 points on 44% shooting. 

The Knicks don’t have anyone on the roster to slow down Young. While New York will likely give him different looks from respectable defenders such as Quentin Grimes and Immanuel Quickley, the laser-quick Atlanta point guard is as close to an unstoppable point guard as exists in the league. 

New York is surrendering 26.32 points per game to point guards this season (fifth-most in the NBA), which doesn't hold well in this game. Before a left eye contusion forced him out early, Young was on pace for another dynamic performance against the Knicks in November. Backcourt mate Dejounte Murray took over the primary ball-handling responsibilities when Young departed and scored 36 points. 

While Young is working out some inner turmoil with head coach Nate McMillan, this opportunity against New York is a perfect time for him to dominate and steer the headlines away from whatever may be going on behind the scenes in the Hawks organization. Young always saves his best for the Knicks. Just look at his last full start against New York in March 2022: He dropped 45 points in that game.

My best bet: Trae Young Over 27.5 points (-111)

Hawks vs Knicks spread analysis

Heading into tonight's matchup, neither of these teams has a positive ATS record. The Knicks are 10-12-2 and 3-7-2 at home. The Hawks are at 10-14 ATS and 4-6-1 on the road. The line initially opened in the Knicks’ favor at -1.5 and has since remained relatively the same, with some sportsbooks going to -2. 

Having struggled to find a winning formula all season, the Knicks are finally making some changes in hopes it creates the spark the team needs. Derrick Rose and Cam Reddish will not be a part of the new nine-man rotation Coach Thibodeau is rolling out. This lineup could see some setbacks in the early going before things begin to click. New York has a young core of players who are still trying to prove they belong. The new rotation got off to a good start against Cleveland, but tonight against a team like Atlanta that always seems to give New York a difficult time, it will be exciting to see how it rolls out. 

New York could be playing with fool's gold here after a victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, holding them to only 81 points. Was that a product of great defense or a bad offensive night for Cleveland? Thibodeau loves his defenders, and it was only a matter of time before he found a way to get guards Grimes and Miles McBride real minutes. Both have much to prove offensively, but they are tough defenders who play with a lot of passion and never waste possessions. 

Atlanta is simply a better team with more reliable players. That will show tonight. Besides, the Knicks are a disappointing 2-4 ATS as home favorites.

Hawks vs Knicks Over/Under analysis

New York enters this one with an 11-12-1 Over/Under mark on the season, while Atlanta brings a 13-11 O/U mark. Initially, the line opened up as low as 228 and is now available between 231.5 and 233.  

With the Knicks trying to change their identity and get back to what made them a playoff team just a few short seasons ago, the Under is slightly more intriguing of a play tonight. We know Young will push the ball and score plenty, but New York will look to minimize the production of everyone else around him. 

There aren't many tougher shooting guards in the league than Donovan Mitchell, and the Knicks held him to 23 points on 8-for-22 shooting in a homecoming game for him at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks also allow just the fourth-fewest points to shooting guards this season (21.15) which could be a good indicator in slowing Murray down this time. 

In the first go around, the Under was the clear play as the teams combined for 22 points less than the closing O/U total. Tonight should bring similar results, as the Knicks don't have enough high-scoring options to set the scoreboard ablaze.

Hawks vs Knicks betting trend to know

Knicks are 1-7-1 ATS in their last nine games following a straight-up win. Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Knicks.

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