The Atlanta Hawks, mired in a deep slump, face a daunting challenge as they welcome the in-form New York Knicks to the State Farm Arena tonight. The Hawks have lost five consecutive games and nine of their last eleven, while the Knicks have been one of the league's hottest teams, winning 13 of their last 16 outings.
Form Guide and Team Dynamics
The contrasting fortunes of these two teams could not be more stark. December has been a brutal month for the Atlanta Hawks, who find themselves struggling on both ends of the court. Their defence has been particularly porous, regularly conceding over 120 points. They currently hold a disappointing 5-10 record at home and rank 18th in defensive rating. Coming off a 126-111 loss to the Miami Heat on Friday, they also face the disadvantage of playing the second night of a back-to-back.
In stark contrast, the New York Knicks are flying high and sit atop the Atlantic Division. They have established themselves as a powerhouse, ranking tied for fourth in the NBA in points scored per game (120.3) and a solid eighth in points allowed per game (113.3). This balance makes them a formidable opponent for any team, especially one as vulnerable as the Hawks.
Injury Concerns and Expected Lineups
Both teams are dealing with significant injury issues that will impact their rotations. For the Hawks, the situation is critical in the frontcourt.
Atlanta Hawks Expected Starters:
- G - Trae Young (Day-to-day, quadriceps)
- G - Dyson Daniels
- F - Zaccharie Risacher
- F - Jalen Johnson
- C - Onyeka Okongwu
New York Knicks Expected Starters:
- G - Jalen Brunson
- G - Mikal Bridges
- F - OG Anunoby
- F - Karl-Anthony Towns
- C - Mitchell Robinson
The Hawks' injury report is lengthy. Star guard Trae Young is listed as day-to-day with a quadriceps issue. The team is severely depleted in the frontcourt with N'Faly Dante (season-ending surgery), Eli John Ndiaye (torn left labrum), and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) all ruled out. For the Knicks, Miles McBride has been upgraded to questionable, while Tyler Kolek has stepped up in his absence, averaging 18 points over the last two games.
Match Prediction and Viewing Details
All signs point towards a comfortable victory for the visiting New York Knicks. They are healthier, in superior form, and face a Hawks team that is fatigued, defensively struggling, and missing key personnel. The Knicks' ability to excel on both offence and defence should see them exploit Atlanta's weaknesses and extend the Hawks' miserable losing streak.
The game is scheduled to tip-off at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (which translates to early morning in India). Fans in India can catch the live action on the FanDuel Sports Network and NBATV. For those preferring to stream, the match will be available on Fubo and Peacock platforms.
