Knicks Look For Rare Home Win Vs Hawks On Christmas

The New York Knicks (14-18, 13-19 ATS) host the Atlanta Hawks (15-16, 13-18) on Christmas Day at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks will be hoping to turn things around as they’ve gone 2-6 in their last eight outings, while the Hawks have also struggled as of late, winning just two of their last six games.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Knicks opened as 1.5-point favorites at home with the total set at 218.5 points. The OVER is 8-12 in New York’s last 12 games. The Knicks are 1-6 ATS in their last seven home games while the Hawks are 6-0 ATS in their last six outings on the road.

Atlanta News & Notes

The Hawks earned a tight win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, coming out with a 98-96 victory. Cam Reddish led the team with 18 points as six players in total finished with at least 12 points for Atlanta.

Although Trae Young (27.3 points per game) has had a terrific start to his campaign, the Hawks have struggled to build much momentum. The team’s offense has been consistent, averaging 110.6 points per game (6th), but they’ve given up just as much defensively, allowing 109.3 points against (20th). Saturday’s matchup won’t be an easy one for the Hawks as Young remains out in health and safety protocols.

Danilo Gallinari, Clint Capela, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Sharife Cooper, Kevin Huerter (health and safety protocols) are all out for the Christmas Day game. Lou Williams (undisclosed), Delon Wright (ankle), and Cam Reddish (ankle) are questionable.

New York News & Notes

The Knicks fell 124-117 to the Washington Wizards in their last outing on Thursday. Kemba Walker scored a season-high 44 points while Julius Randle (23 points) and Alec Burks (20 points) each dropped 20-plus, but New York simply gave up too much to Washington in the loss.

It was another loss at Madison Square Garden for the Knicks, who are just 6-11 at home this season, which includes a recent 1-6 run. Their home offense (105.6 points) and defense (109.6 points) rank 23rd and 24th, respectively – much worse than the club’s overall marks this season.

Like Atlanta, New York has an extensive injury list going into Saturday’s affair. Derrick Rose (ankle) is out indefinitely while Nerlens Noel, Miles McBride, Immanuel Quickley, and Kevin Knox II are all in health and safety protocols. RJ Barrett (conditioning) is also questionable.

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How Atlanta Will Cover

While the Hawks will be without Young on Christmas, they’ve still got a deep lineup and several players who can pick up the slack. John Collins has averaged 17.5 points per game, with 20-plus points in three of his last four outings, and will be called upon to have a big game. Atlanta will also be hoping to take advantage of a New York team that’s been surprisingly weak at home.

How New York Will Cover

The Knicks will have three of their regular five starters in the lineup, plus a red-hot Walker. The point guard has had three of his best performances of the season in his last three outings, averaging 31.3 points per game over that span. He’ll need to keep up that level of play if the Knicks are going to earn a rare win at home.

Computer Pick: Hawks +5.5

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