The Atlanta Hawks, led by CJ McCollum, who scored 32 points to help the team pull off an improbable comeback against the New York Knicks in Game 2, have tied the series at 1-1.
The Knicks will head to State Farm Arena on Thursday for Game 3 of this first-round series. Jalen Brunson has led the charge for New York, averaging 28.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists through the first two games. Meanwhile, it has been a difficult series for Karl Anthony-Towns, who has been limited to 12.5 attempts through two games.
For the Hawks, CJ McCollum has been their go-to guy, averaging 29.0 points and 3.5 assists per game. His late-game eruption in Game 2 helped Atlanta tie the series up. Jalen Johnson has also been productive, recording 20.0 ppg and 7.5 rpg.
New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks Game Details
Game 3 of the Hawks-Knicks’ first-round NBA playoff series will tip off on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action live on Amazon Prime Video. The game will take place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks Odds
Moneyline: Hawks (-110) vs. Knicks (-110)
Spread: Hawks (-1.5) vs. Knicks (+1.5)
Total (O/U): Hawks (o216.5) -112 vs. Knicks (u216.5) -108
Note: Odds are accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change closer to tipoff.
Knicks vs. Hawks Preview
Despite the series being tied at 1-1, the New York Knicks have been in the driving seat, leading through 90% of both Game 1 and 2. The Knicks would be in the lead if it were not for McCollum’s fourth-quarter performance in Game 2. After he missed two free throws with 5.6 seconds remaining, New York even looked set to steal the game.
Regardless, both teams are level, with the pressure being on the Knicks to grab an away win and take the lead. The result could come down to how Karl Anthony-Towns adjusts to the pressure he has been facing in the paint. The five-time All-Star has struggled against the Hawks’ internal pressure so far.
New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks Injury Report
Neither the New York Knicks nor the Atlanta Hawks have any significant injuries to report ahead of their Game 3 matchup on Thursday.
Knicks vs. Hawks Starting Lineups
Hawks
G: CJ McCollum | G: Nickeil Alexander-Walker | F: Dyson Daniels | F: Jalen Johnson | C: Onyeka Okongwu
Knicks
G: Jalen Brunson | G: Josh Hart | F: Mikal Bridges | F: OG Anunoby | C: Karl-Anthony Towns
Knicks vs. Hawks Prediction
Bookmakers have given both teams the same odds to take Game 3. However, the Knicks are the better team on paper and have been throughout the 2025-26 season. It will be up to Mike Brown to make the necessary adjustments and take the lead in Thursday’s game.
Our prediction: The Knicks to win.
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