There’s more Eastern Conference playoff action Tuesday evening, and we will see the Atlanta Hawks square off with the New York Knicks at the World’s Most Famous Arena in Game 5 of their best-of-seven series. After falling behind 2-1 thanks to a couple of one-point losses, the Knicks evened up the series with a 114-98 win in Game 4. Which team will grab the all-important Game 5 win? Continue reading to see my Atlanta vs New York prediction.<\/p>\n
New York -6.5; Over\/Under 214<\/strong><\/p>\n Atlanta enters Game 5 knowing the series could look very different with a few late\u2011game breaks. Two narrow losses swung momentum early, and the Hawks now face a Knicks team that finally found its rhythm in Game 4. Atlanta is averaging 104.0 points in the series while shooting 44.8 percent, but the three\u2011point accuracy has dipped to 32.6 percent, limiting their ability to stretch New York\u2019s defense. CJ McCollum<\/a> has carried the scoring load at 24.5 points, while Jalen Johnson<\/a> and Nickeil Alexander\u2011Walker<\/a> have provided secondary production. Atlanta\u2019s 21.5 assists per game show decent ball movement, but the team’s 14.8 turnovers have been costly.<\/p>\n Defensively, the Hawks have struggled to control the glass, averaging 39.8 rebounds while allowing New York to dictate second\u2011chance opportunities. Their perimeter defense has also been inconsistent, giving up clean looks that shifted momentum in multiple games. Onyeka Okongwu<\/a> has been efficient inside, but Atlanta’s rotations have not been sharp enough to contain New York\u2019s balanced attack. The Hawks must tighten their closeouts and avoid the defensive lapses that fueled the Knicks’ Game 4 surge.<\/p>\n For Atlanta to regain control, they need a more efficient offensive start and fewer empty possessions. McCollum must continue to create pressure, but the Hawks also need steadier contributions from their wings to avoid long scoring droughts. Atlanta must push the pace selectively, protect the ball, and force New York into tougher mid\u2011range attempts. If they can control the tempo and limit New York’s transition bursts, the Hawks can put real pressure on the Knicks<\/a> in a pivotal Game 5.<\/p>\n New York enters this matchup with renewed confidence after a series-tying win<\/a> that reset the tone. The Knicks are averaging 110.3 points while shooting 46.1 percent, and their 37.6 percent mark from three has been a major factor. Jalen Brunson<\/a> leads the team at 25.5 points per game, while OG Anunoby<\/a> and Karl\u2011Anthony Towns<\/a> have provided efficient scoring and strong interior play. New York\u2019s 21.5 assists per game reflect improved ball movement, and their ability to generate clean looks has steadily increased. The Knicks have also won five of eight meetings dating back to the regular season, giving them a psychological edge.<\/p>\nAtlanta Hawks<\/h3>\n
New York Knicks<\/h3>\n