It’s Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Playoff series between the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks. After losing Game 1, the Hawks have bounced back to take the last two and grab a 2-1 lead in this best-of-seven series against the Knicks. Atlanta won Game 3 109-108, and the teams have split their six meetings this year. Can the Knicks even up the series at two games apiece? Will the Hawks take a commanding 3-1 series lead?<\/p>\n
New York -1.5; Over\/Under 214.5<\/strong><\/p>\n The Knicks enter Game 4 needing a sharper response, as they have now lost two in a row after taking Game 1<\/a> against the Hawks. They lost Game 3 109\u2013108 in a tight finish. The Knicks are averaging 109.0 points in the series while shooting 45.0 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from deep. Jalen Brunson<\/a> leads the team at 27.7 points, though his efficiency has dipped under heavy defensive pressure. OG Anunoby<\/a> has been excellent at 20.3 points on 55.9 percent shooting, and Karl -Anthony Towns<\/a> has added 21.3 points with strong interior finishing. New York must find more consistent spacing and avoid long stretches where the offense becomes stagnant.<\/p>\n The Knicks have rebounded well, averaging 46.0 boards, with Josh Hart<\/a> pulling down 12.0 rebounds per game. Their defense has been solid in stretches, but late\u2011game execution has slipped in the last two matchups. Atlanta\u2019s pace has forced New York into difficult rotations, and the Knicks have struggled to contain secondary scoring. They must tighten their perimeter coverage and avoid giving up early-clock threes. New York also needs cleaner ball movement after averaging 14.3 turnovers through three games.<\/p>\n For New York to even the series, they must control the tempo and avoid trading runs with Atlanta. Their best stretches have come when they slow the game, attack mismatches, and keep possessions organized. Brunson must dictate pace without forcing shots, while Towns and Anunoby need steady touches to balance the offense. The Knicks also need more from their bench to stabilize non\u2011starter minutes. If New York limits mistakes and maintains defensive discipline, they can push this series back toward their preferred style.<\/p>\n After losing Game 1<\/a>, Atlanta arrives in Game 4 with momentum, winning two straight and grabbing a 2\u20131 series lead. The Hawks are averaging 106.0 points while shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 36.0 percent from three. CJ McCollum<\/a> has been outstanding at 27.0 points per game on 50.8 percent shooting, giving Atlanta a reliable late\u2011clock creator. Jalen Johnson<\/a> has added 21.3 points and 8.3 rebounds, while Onyeka Okongwu<\/a> has provided efficient scoring at 14.3 points on 64.0 percent shooting. Atlanta\u2019s balanced attack has forced New York into difficult defensive choices.<\/p>\n The Hawks have also defended well, holding New York to 45.0 percent shooting and limiting clean perimeter looks. Their rebounding has been steady at 40.3 boards, and their transition defense has improved since Game 1. Nickeil Alexander\u2011Walker<\/a> has contributed 13.3 points, but his value has come from spacing and defensive activity. Atlanta\u2019s ball movement has been sharp, averaging 22.0 assists, and their turnovers have stayed manageable at 13.3 per game. That combination has kept them in control late in games.<\/p>\nNew York Knicks<\/h3>\n
Atlanta Hawks<\/h3>\n