Hawks vs Knicks prediction for Game 5: Kalshi NBA Playoffs trading originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The stakes are sky-high as the Eastern Conference First Round shifts back to New York for a pivotal Game 5. Tonight at 8:00 PM ET, the Knicks will host the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden, with the game broadcast nationally on NBC/Peacock. Follow this Hawks vs Knicks prediction for Game 5 to make all the best trades on Kalshi.
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Entering this matchup, the series is deadlocked at 2-2. The Knicks are looking to protect their home floor against the Hawks as this series has already produced several fierce, tightly contested battles.
After Atlanta stole Game 2 with a thrilling 107-106 victory and followed up with a gritty 109-108 win in Game 3, the Knicks responded emphatically in Game 4 with a commanding 114-98 blowout at home. In that decisive bounce-back, OG Anunoby led the charge with 22 points and 10 rebounds, Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a massive triple-double of 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, and Jalen Brunson added 19 points to help New York even the series.
Throughout the series, Brunson and dominant big man Karl-Anthony Towns have anchored New York, while McCollum and rising forward Jalen Johnson have kept Atlanta firing on all cylinders. Read on as we break down the pivotal statistics, matchup dynamics, and key projections to get you ready for this crucial postseason battle.
The numbers point to the Knicks as the clear favorites to defend Madison Square Garden. With a massive gap in probability, the data reflects strong confidence in New York securing a pivotal victory on their home floor, even considering the tightly contested nature of the series so far.
The most glaring mismatch in this series has been on the glass. New York is relentlessly bullying Atlanta in the rebounding department, pulling down 45.25 boards per contest to the Hawks' 39.75. The Knicks are also executing far better on the perimeter, knocking down 38% of their three-pointers while Atlanta has struggled from deep, shooting just 33%. Defensively, the Hawks have relied on their disruption to stay in games, slightly edging New York with 8 steals and 5.75 blocks per game. However, Atlanta is still surrendering 51 points in the paint per night to the Knicks' physically imposing frontcourt.
The defining matchup to watch remains the heavyweight backcourt battle between Jalen Brunson and CJ McCollum. In Game 4, the Knicks' balanced attack overwhelmed Atlanta as OG Anunoby erupted for 22 points on 9-of-16 shooting, while Towns dominated with a 20-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. McCollum was held to just 17 points on 8-of-15 shooting after torching the Knicks for 32 points in Game 2. Down low, Karl-Anthony Towns poses a massive interior threat, forcing Onyeka Okongwu and Jalen Johnson into a grueling defensive assignment on the block.
While the stars have consistently delivered, the supporting casts must find their rhythm. Atlanta desperately needs better perimeter efficiency from Jonathan Kuminga, who shot just 0-for-6 from three in Game 4 and is hitting only 19% from deep in the series. Meanwhile, New York will look for Mikal Bridges to sustain his Game 4 bounce-back (8 points on 3-of-4 shooting) after going a combined 3-for-13 in Games 2 and 3.
Entering this pivotal Game 5 matchup at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks boast a pristine bill of health with no players listed on the injury report. This gives them their full arsenal to defend their home floor.
Conversely, the Atlanta Hawks will continue to be without backup center Jock Landale, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury that is expected to keep him out for at least two more weeks. While Atlanta's core starters remain intact, Landale's absence depletes their frontcourt depth.
After the Knicks stormed back with a dominant 114-98 victory in Game 4 to even the series at 2-2, the data heavily suggests New York will carry that momentum into Game 5 and take a 3-2 series lead. Backed by a commanding 70% win probability, the Knicks' statistical advantages should ultimately overpower the Hawks at Madison Square Garden.
Expect Atlanta to keep the game highly competitive early, relying on their defensive disruption and the elite scoring of CJ McCollum, who is logging 24.5 points per contest overall. However, New York's superior perimeter efficiency (38% to Atlanta's 33%) and a healthy roster will likely wear the Hawks down in the second half.
Look for Jalen Brunson to orchestrate the offense masterfully, capitalizing on New York's second-chance opportunities to pull away late. Atlanta simply lacks the interior bodies to survive another 48 minutes of New York's relentless paint pressure and rebounding prowess without Landale to absorb crucial minutes. The Knicks will protect their home floor and push the Hawks to the brink of elimination.