Hawks vs Knicks Picks and Predictions: Young Takes Manhattan

It’s always a thrill when Hawks franchise player Trae Young makes his eventful return to Madison Square Garden. After clashing in the playoffs two seasons ago, the competitive energy between these two franchises has been high, and tonight should be no different.

The Knicks have opened as narrow favorites and will need RJ Barrett to capitalize on his perimeter opportunities to come out victorious. Both teams can use a win after dropping two in a row, and this one may feel like a playoff atmosphere at MSG. Young will be active early and often, and the Knicks must slow him down and make him take contested jump shots.

Find out the best betting options with our free NBA picks and predictions for the Hawks vs. Knicks on Wednesday, November 2.

Hawks vs Knicks best odds

Hawks vs Knicks picks and predictions

It’s a new season, but it’s been business as usual for Hawks' superstar Trae Young, even if there were any questions about how he would adjust next to Dejounte Murray. Young is averaging 29 points per game, and while he can improve his 39.5 field goal percentage, his ability to get teammates involved (9.7 assists per game) makes him such a dangerous threat to a defense.

The Knicks will get another reminder of how well Young sees the floor tonight. In 13 regular season matchups with the Knicks, the fifth-year star averages 9.4 assists per game. Young’s unique ability to see the floor doesn’t bold well for a Knicks team giving up 25.7 assists per game to opponents (19th ranked in the NBA).

The Knicks have a backcourt that isn’t known for their defensive prowess. That will spell major issues, as Young will have little problem settling into his sets and finding open teammates. New York's combination of Jalen Brunson and Evan Fournier is, in many ways, a defensive liability, especially going up against a player of Young’s magnitude.

On top of that, the Knicks have had a troubling trend of letting the opponent's dominating ball handler dish out assists in bunches this season. In the last three games alone, the Knicks allowed Donovan Mitchell, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Dennis Smith to dish out an average of 10.6 assists per game.

Tonight should be business as usual for Young.

My best bet: Trae Young Over 9.5 assists (+110)

Hawks vs Knicks spread analysis

Tonight's matchup is anticipated to be tight, as evidenced by the spread that's in favor of the Knicks. This comes on the heels of the Raptors completely dismantling the Hawks in a 139-109 route. That could spell significant trouble for the Hawks, who have an unimpressive 2-5 ATS record and have had issues containing offenses with a host of scoring options.

One player Atlanta will need to contain is RJ Barrett, the fourth-year Knick who combined for 56 points in his last two games against the Hawks. His jump shot has been nonexistent this season, but should he start to find his rhythm, Atlanta could be in for a long night.

How the Knicks' defense shows up will be crucial in determining the outcome in this one. The Hawks will look to expose the Knicks' perimeter defense, which isn’t a strong suit, particularly in the starting unit with Brunson and Fournier.

There will be ample opportunities for Atlanta to score the ball. Expect this to be a close nail-biter, with the Knicks getting a big one out of Barrett, who is due for an actual breakout performance. The Knicks will narrowly cover tonight.

Hawks vs Knicks Over/Under analysis

The Knicks have scored a ton of points this season, averaging 117.8 per game. The Hawks are having no problem scoring a ton of points, spearheaded by their backcourt of Young and Murray, scoring a combined 49 points per game. Each team's Over/Under records are impressive, with the Knicks at 5-1 and the Hawks at 5-2.

Neither team is putting fear in opponents from a defensive perspective, so tonight figures to be a high-scoring matchup. The Knicks aren’t the best equipped to slow down point guards, currently allowing 25.6 points per game to the position this season. That should be a serious concern, as the Hawks essentially have two-star point guards who can run the offense or score off the ball.

Both Young and Murray are in for big nights that will ultimately drive the score up and eclipse the Over.

Hawks vs Knicks betting trend to know

The Over is 5-0 in the Hawks' last five overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Knicks.

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