New York Knicks Betting Preview: Momentum Shifted?
There was a period of time where it looked like the Knicks were destined to fall behind 2-0 and lose their first two home games of this series. But the Knicks did not quit against the Hawks on Wednesday, playing incredible defense in the second half to pull themselves back into the series. And some changes to their lineup could be in the works for this vital third game against Atlanta.
At the start of the second half in game two, the Knicks started the second half with Derrick Rose at point guard, opting to bench starting point guard Elfrid Payton. That decision paid off, much to the delight of the Madison Square Garden crowd. It will be interesting to see if Tom Thibodeau opts to start Rose from the beginning in game three or if he will give Payton another shot.
Also interesting will be how Julius Randle responds to being held to 15 points per game through two games in this series. Randle, the Knicks’ best player all season, has been held in check by the Hawks. But Randle did a much better job of getting to the basket and creating for himself and others at the end of game two, something he will need to replicate in this pivotal contest.
Atlanta Hawks Betting Preview: Ready For Home Cooking
The Atlanta Hawks have to be thrilled with the fact that they managed to win a game in New York despite blowing their lead in game two. In an extremely hostile environment at Madison Square Garden, the Hawks looked comfortable and confident the majority of the time. Now they head back home and have to like their chances to win one or both contests in Atlanta.
A big reason for the Hawks’ success so far in this series has been their balanced attack. Trae Young has been incredible despite the verbal abuse he’s received from Knicks fans. But Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kevin Huerter, and even De’Andre Hunter have taken turns stepping up to carry the scoring load against a tenacious Knicks defense.
The big question for the Hawks will be whether or not they can continue to slow down Julius Randle. They struggled to contain him at the end of game two, which led to their first loss of this postseason. If they can maintain the defense they have mustered against him for the majority of the first two games, they could very well win game three and advance once this series is over.
Atlanta and New York Odds and Lines
DraftKings Sportsbook has the Atlanta Hawks as a 4-point favorite against the New York Knicks heading into this matchup.
Free Play of the Night
Julius Randle appeared to finally figure out how to attack the Hawks’ defense at the end of game two. Even without home-court advantage, expect Randle and the Knicks to build off of the momentum from Wednesday’s win.
The Knicks +4 is the best play for this contest.