New York hosts Atlanta to begin playoffs
Atlanta Hawks (46-36, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New York Knicks (53-29, third in the Eastern Conference) New York; Saturday, 6 p. m.
EDT LINE: Knicks -5. 5; over/under is 216. 5 EASTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: Knicks host first series matchup BOTTOM LINE: The New York Knicks host the Atlanta Hawks to open the Eastern Conference first round.
New York went 2-1 against Atlanta during the regular season. The Knicks won the last regular season meeting 108-105 on Monday, April 6 led by 30 points from Jalen Brunson, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 36 points for the Hawks. The Knicks are 35-17 against conference opponents.
New York averages 116. 5 points while outscoring opponents by 6. 4 points per game.
The Hawks are 27-25 in conference play. Atlanta is 7-8 in one-possession games. The Knicks average 116.