2026 NBA Playoffs Preview: Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks

Atlanta, GA — The Atlanta Hawks are back in the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2024, entering as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 46-36 record.

They’ll face the No. 3 New York Knicks in a best-of-seven first-round series that tips off today, Saturday, April 18, at 6 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden (Game 1 on Prime Video).

Hawks Set for First-Round Playoff Showdown with Knicks: A Rematch Five Years in the Making

This is a rematch of their memorable 2021 first-round clash, which the Hawks won 4-1 en route to the Eastern Conference Finals. The 2026 version features very different rosters but plenty of intrigue.

How to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Hawks’ Surging Form and Roster Transformation

After a rocky 20-25 start, Atlanta closed the season on a blistering 26-11 run under head coach Quin Snyder.

The team traded franchise icon Trae Young midseason (along with Kristaps Porzingis) and reshaped around a more balanced, defense-first identity that emphasizes ball movement, length, and transition play.

Key Players to Watch for Atlanta:

• Jalen Johnson (All-Star forward): Averaging 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists. He’s a do-it-all star who can dominate in transition and create mismatches.
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker: A major offseason pickup, putting up 20.8 PPG with elite 3-point shooting (39.9%) and perimeter defense.
• Dyson Daniels: Lengthy guard with strong defensive impact (11.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 5.9 APG).
• Onyeka Okongwu: Reliable big man in the frontcourt (15.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG).
• CJ McCollum and Jonathan Kuminga: Veteran scoring punch and explosive bench energy, respectively. Corey Kispert adds shooting depth off the bench.

The Hawks rank in the top 10 offensively (118.5 PPG) and have been one of the hottest teams in the league since the All-Star break, playing fast and sharing the ball effectively.

Knicks: Physical Defense and Star Power

New York brings a stout, experienced squad led by Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart.

They finished with strong defensive metrics and expect to lean on half-court execution, rebounding, and perimeter toughness.

Key Matchups:

• Brunson vs. Hawks’ perimeter D (Daniels, Alexander-Walker): Can Atlanta’s length disrupt New York’s engine without over-helping?
• Johnson vs. Knicks wings (Anunoby, Bridges, Hart): Johnson’s versatility will be tested against elite defenders.
• Frontcourt battle: Towns’ size and scoring vs. Okongwu and Atlanta’s bigs; rebounding and interior presence will be critical.

The Knicks won the regular-season series 2-? (close games), but Atlanta showed they can compete, including a blowout win in one matchup.

Series Schedule (All times ET)

• Game 1: Sat, Apr 18 – Hawks @ Knicks, 6 p.m. (Prime Video)
• Game 2: Mon, Apr 20 – Hawks @ Knicks, 8 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
• Game 3: Thu, Apr 23 – Knicks @ Hawks, 7 p.m. (Prime Video) – First home game at State Farm Arena!
• Game 4: Sat, Apr 25 – Knicks @ Hawks, 6 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
• Games 5-7 (if necessary): Apr 28, 30, May 2 – alternating sites.

Outlook from Atlanta

The Hawks enter with “nothing to lose” momentum and a young, hungry core. Many see them as a dangerous underdog capable of stealing games with hot shooting and defensive length, though most projections favor the deeper, more experienced Knicks.

A series win would be huge for this rebuilding-on-the-fly group and set up a likely tough second-round date with Boston or similar.

Prediction buzz around town: Optimistic Hawks fans are calling for a competitive series (possibly 6-7 games) and an upset push, while acknowledging New York’s physical edge. Bold takes include Johnson going off for multiple triple-doubles or Alexander-Walker lighting it up from deep.

Stay locked in to AtlantaFi.com for live updates, post-game analysis, fan reactions, and full coverage as the playoffs begin. Let’s go Hawks — State Farm Arena will be rocking for those home games!

What’s your score prediction for Game 1? Drop it in the comments.