The Atlanta Hawks (7-23) visit Madison Square Garden to clash with the New York Knicks (9-24). The Hawks are 3-point underdogs and look to snap a five-game road losing streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 228 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, December 21, 2018.
Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks ATS Odds
The Hawks will be looking for similar success after topping the Washington Wizards in their last outing, 118-110, as 3-point underdogs. The Knicks, meanwhile, were blown out by the Philadelphia 76ers, 131-109, and were unable to cover as 12.5-point underdogs. The Atlanta game went 10.5 points under the projected point total of 238.5, while the New York game went 11.5 points over the projected point total of 228.5.
Atlanta dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a superb offensive rebounding percentage of 31.7 (above their season average of 22.0) and a free throw rate of 0.405 (above their season average of 0.194). Washington recorded marks of 20.0 and 0.301, respectively, for those same stats. New York, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (25-31; 80.6 percent). New York was led by Tim Hardaway Jr., who contributed 27 points and five assists. Meanwhile, John Collins fueled Atlanta with 20 points and 13 rebounds.
The Knicks have won both matchups against the Hawks this year. In their most recent game, the two teams combined to put up 219 points, which was under the projected point total of 225.5. New York won 112-107, covering as a 1.5-point favorite. New York did a fantastic job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (33-47; 70.2 percent). Atlanta, on the other hand, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (28.8 vs. 26.8). Hardaway Jr. scored a game-high 34 points.
Of the Hawks’ 30 games, 17 have finished over the O/U total. Atlanta heads into the game with records of 7-23 straight up (SU) and 12-18 against the spread (ATS).
Knicks games also tend to finish over the total (57.6 percent). Moreover, New York is 9-24 SU and 16-16-1 ATS.
Both teams have had a couple of players take their game to the next level over their last five games. Collins (23 points,13.0 rebounds) and Kent Bazemore (17 points,5.8 assists,2.8 steals) have been great for the Hawks, while Emmanuel Mudiay (21 points,6.2 assists) and Kevin Knox (19 points,6.8 rebounds) have contributed greatly to the Knicks.
New York figures to have an edge on the offensive glass in this contest. The Knicks rank ninth in offensive rebounding percentage (24.7 percent), while Atlanta ranks 20th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.0 percent).
Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks Betting Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Hawks, ATS Winner – Hawks, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Knicks rank 18 in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.303030303030305) while the Hawks rank last (23.366666666666667).
- Atlanta averages 5.8 blocks per game, which ranks sixth in the league. New York ranks 28th in blocks allowed per game (6.3).
- The Knicks rank 10th in steals allowed per game (7.4) while the Hawks rank last (10.7).
- Atlanta averages 50.2 points in the paint per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. New York ranks 28th in points allowed in the paint per game (52.1).
- Atlanta ranks 4 in three pointers attempted per game (35.3) while New York ranks 22 (29.575757575757574).
- The Knicks rank seventh in second chance points per game (14.7) while the Hawks rank 29th in second chance points allowed per game (15.2).
- The Hawks rank 4 in fast break points per game (17.866666666666667) while the Knicks rank 23 (10.424242424242424).
- New York ranks 15 in rebounds per game (45.27272727272727) while Atlanta ranks 27 in rebounds allowed per game (46.63333333333333).
- Atlanta ranks seventh in assists per game (25.2) while New York ranks 29th (19.8).
- When allowing under 100 points, New York is 2-0 and Atlanta is 1-2.
- In games where they reach the century mark, the Knicks are 9-19 and the Hawks are 7-17.
- New York is 6-7-1 ATS at home, while Atlanta is 7-9 ATS on the road.
- The Hawks have 9 overs and 7 unders in 16 road games.
- Of the Knicks’ 14 home games, they have 7 overs and 7 unders.
Bettings Trends:
- The Hawks are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Knicks are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Atlanta has 3 unders and 2 overs, while New York has 4 overs and 1 under.
- During their last five games, the Hawks have scored an average of 113.2 points per game (4.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 119.0 points per game (matching their season average).
- The Knicks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 11.2, up from 7.3 for the season.
