NBA Game Day Preview between the Atlanta Hawks Vs New York Knicks StatementGames alternative Fantasy Basketball, play for FREE and WIN CASH Rewards.
When: May 23, 2021
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TV: TNT
Point Spread: New York Knicks -1.5
OVER/UNDER Game Total: 215.5
Atlanta Hawks (5)
2021 Playoff Record: 0-0
Playoff Road Record: 0-0
Playoff ATS: 0-0
New York Knicks (4)
2021 Playoff Record: 0-0
Playoff Home Record: 0-0
Playoff ATS: 0-0
Atlanta Hawks Vs New York Knicks Game Day Preview
The surprise of the 2021 NBA Playoffs can summed up in a single phrase! The #5 seed Atlanta Hawks will battle the #4 seed New York Knicks in an Easter Conference playoff series.
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks last made the postseason in 2017 but since then they were 85 games under .500 the preview three seasons. The team did not start turning around until then coach Lloyd Pierce was fired on the 1st of March and replaced on an interim basis by assistant coach Nate McMillan. McMillan is no stranger to the postseason. He went to the playoffs nine time in 14 season as head coach with the Seattle SuperSonics, Portland Trail Blazers and Indiana Pacers.
Atlanta, had gone 14-20 to open their season. However under McMillan they can point to multiple winning streaks which saw the team exceed 100 points in 34 of their final 38 games.
“This is what I came down here for, to try to help this team get to the next level,” McMillan said after the Hawks clinched a playoff berth by beating the Washington Wizards 120-116 on May 12. “These guys have stood up and accepted that. I’m just thrilled to death that I can be part of this.”
New York Knicks
Go New York, Go New York, Go New York Go are back in the playoffs. It will be the teams for the 1st playoff apperance since 2013. Coaching changes have also assisted with the boys from Madison Avenue.
Last July, the Knicks hired the no-nonsense Tom Thibodeau. Coach Thibodeau and his defensive system oversaw a rapid culture change that has resulted in the organizations recent success.
The Knicks were 190 games under .500 the previous seven seasons, a span in which they ranked among the bottom half of the NBA in points allowed per game five times. Under Thibodeau, New York allowed a league-low 104.7 points per game. They also finished the season with 16 wins in its final 20 games.
Of course, for the famously dour Thibodeau, the work is just beginning.
“You don’t want to feel too good,” Thibodeau said following a 96-92 win over the Boston Celtics in the regular-season finale. “Always wanting more.”
The defensive-minded Knicks will get the type of test Thibodeau enjoys against the Hawks, who tied for 11th in the NBA with an average of 113.7 points per game yet were the only team with nine players averaging in double figures.
Hawks Vs Knicks Facts
- Hawks are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games.
- Knicks are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games as a home favorite.
- Over is 5-1 in the last 6 Hawks Vs Knicks meetings.
Atlanta Hawks Vs New York Knicks Alternative Fantasy Basketball-Statement Games Picks
For this game we got some help from our friends over at www.dimers.com. Give Dimers a look and get access to data-driven betting plays and sports betting news to make smarter bets.
Hawks 107 Knicks 111
10 PT Pick: New York Knicks Will WIN By OVER 1.5 PTS
9 PT Pick: Julius Randle OVER 27.5 PTS
8 PT Pick: Total PTS OVER 215.5
Play Fantasy Basketball
Also Available In Apple Store