The New York Knicks’ regular season didn’t end with the exclamation point fans at Madison Square Garden were hoping for on Sunday.
In a 110-96 loss to the Charlotte Hornets, the Knicks looked like a team already peering ahead toward the postseason.
Despite the flat finish, the bigger picture remains bright: New York has officially secured the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference and a high-stakes first-round date with the Atlanta Hawks.
The loss to Charlotte (21-61) was a statistical anomaly in an otherwise stellar 53-29 campaign for the Knicks.
With the playoff seeding largely locked in, head coach Tom Thibodeau opted for a cautious approach, monitoring minutes for stars like Jalen Brunson while allowing the bench to carry much of the load.
NBA Playoff Bracket Set: Knicks vs. Hawks Series Schedule
With the regular season in the books, the NBA has confirmed the Eastern Conference matchups.
The No. 3 Knicks will host the No. 6 Atlanta Hawks (46-36) in a series that many analysts believe could be the most competitive of the first round.
The series is scheduled to tip off at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, April 18.
Having the home-court advantage is massive for New York; the Knicks finished the year with a dominant 30-11 record at the Garden, making it one of the most intimidating atmospheres in the league.
Knicks vs. Hawks Regular Season Recap and Betting Odds
If the regular season is any indication, fans are in for a defensive battle. The Knicks took the season series 2-1, though notably, the road team won every single contest.
From a betting perspective, New York opens as a significant favorite.
According to early lines from DraftKings and FanDuel, the Knicks are listed at -290 to win the series, while the Hawks sit as +230 underdogs.
The spread for Game 1 is currently hovering around Knicks -5.5, reflecting the oddsmakers’ confidence in New York’s playoff-tested roster.
Keys to the Series: Can New York Stop Trae Young?
The primary narrative of this series will undoubtedly revolve around the Knicks’ ability to contain Atlanta’s backcourt.
While Jalen Brunson has established himself as an MVP-caliber floor general, the Hawks’ duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray presents a unique challenge.
To advance to the second round, the Knicks will need to:
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Dominate the Glass: New York finished the season in the top five for rebounding percentage. Controlling second-chance points will be vital against a fast-paced Atlanta offense.
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Health of the Frontcourt: With OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson back in the fold, the Knicks’ defense has a “locked-down” identity that can stifle Atlanta’s pick-and-roll game.
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Bench Production: Miles “Deuce” McBride showed flashes of brilliance in the finale against Charlotte; the Knicks will need that secondary scoring to offset Atlanta’s depth.
As the city gears up for another playoff run, the message in the locker room is clear: the regular season was just the warm-up. The real work begins Saturday at the Garden.
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