Atlanta Hawks Betting Preview: Looking For 2-0 Lead
The Atlanta Hawks lead for the bulk of Game One against the New York Knicks but had to come from behind late to secure a 107-105 victory. Late in the game, the combination of Bogdan Bogdanovic and Trae Young was a lethal one. The Hawks’ dynamic duo scored a combined 50 points, including some timely buckets to help Atlanta tie the game and take the lead down the stretch.
For the Hawks, Young is going to be the key once again, as his ability to get where he wants to on the court is unmatched in this series. The game plan down the stretch for Atlanta consisted mainly of Young working off of a screen up top and getting to the basket with his right hand. If the Knicks can’t stop that, the Hawks could be in for an easy victory in this series despite the large crowd backing the Knicks early in the series.
New York Knicks Betting Preview: Do Or Die Time
It was a disappointing return to playoff basketball for the New York Knicks in their Game One loss to the Hawks. The winner of this year’s Most Improved Player award, Julius Randle, managed to score just 15 points. That and some uncharacteristically poor three-point shooting led to the Knicks’ demise, as they couldn’t rely on late buckets from their usual suspects.
Aside from Randle, two players who will need to play better in Game Two will be Reggie Bullock and RJ Barrett. Bullock, the Knicks’ designated sharpshooter this season, shot 0-5 from three-point range in the series opener. And Barrett, despite having some moments getting to the basket, made just one of his six three-point attempts.
Also, important heading into Game Two is the defense of the New York Knicks, especially on Trae Young. Young made 11 of his 23 field goal attempts and earned nine free throw attempts, of which he made all nine. If the Knicks can’t limit the offensive impact of Young in Game Two, they could easily find themselves in an 0-2 hole heading to Atlanta for the next two games of the series.
Atlanta and New York Odds and Lines
DraftKings Sportsbook has the New York Knicks as a 2-point favorite against the Atlanta Hawks heading into this matchup.
Free Play of the Night
The Knicks know that their season essentially hangs in the balance when they host the Hawks on Wednesday night. Expect that sense of urgency to benefit them on the court, as they will get better shooting than they did in Game One.
The Knicks at -2 is the best play for this contest.