Atlanta’s 2015-16 campaign started off on the wrong foot, losing its opener to the Pistons, 106-94, on Tuesday night. But what’s done is done and the Hawks need to keep moving forward. They’ll try to redeem themselves from that setback in their first road game of the season against the New York Knicks. Can they get win No.1 tonight?
Read on below for a detailed breakdown of this promising Eastern Conference matchup. If you’re yearning for more NBA action, check out our Mavericks vs. Clippers preview. Enjoy.
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Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks Betting Preview
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York
When: Thursday, October 29, 2015, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Atlanta Hawks (-3.5) vs. New York Knicks (+3.5); total: 197.0 – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Atlanta Hawks
[sc:NBA240banner ]The Atlanta Hawks didn’t look like a team coming off a 60-win season in their opener against the visiting Pistons. They struggled to get their groove going and were completely decimated in the boards, 59-40. But it’s just the first game and the Hawks are definitely not going to panic when they take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden this evening.
For the Hawks to emerge victorious in this one, the onus is on its entire offense to find its rhythm early. That should start obviously from their point guard, Jeff Teague. Teague, who averaged 15.9 points and 7.0 assists in 2014, has got to involve his teammates from the get go and most importantly take good care of the ball. He had a game-high five turnovers across his name along with 18 points (7-of-16) and four assists versus Detroit.
Moreover, Kyle Korver has got to find his stroke this time around. Korver, who was second-best in the league three-point shooting last season (44.9 percent), was limited to seven points, two rebounds and one assist while just 1-of-5 from down town in the same game.
But if both Teague and Korver still can’t get it going. The Hawks will hope that the pair of Paul Millsap and Dennis Schroeder could build on their respective performances. Millsap, shot 7-of-15 from the field for 19 points along with eight rebounds and three dimes. Schroeder, meanwhile, shined brightest with his team-high of 20 points off the bench.
As for the defense, the responsibility falls on Al Horford to grab those crucial defensive rebounds and make life tough for New York in getting some points in the paint. Horford led the way for Atlanta on the defensive end Tuesday night, finishing with three blocks and two steals despite only managing to grab four boards.
Atlanta is 4-6 SU and 5-5 ATS in its previous 10 meetings with the Knicks.
Following an impressive 122-97 road win against the Bucks last night, the New York Knicks will be coming in with a lot of momentum for their home opener opposite the Atlanta Hawks later.
A testament to their recent win came is the pair of Derrick Williams and Kristaps Porzingis, who made his season debut. Both power forwards led the way for the Knicks, combining for 40 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. They’ll try to keep this up against a Hawks team that ranked seventh-best in the league in terms of defensive efficiency last year.
Other than Williams and Porzingis, the Knicks will be hoping that their franchise player and eight-time All-star, Carmelo Anthony, finds his rhythm. That might just happen later since Anthony’s played extremely well against the Hawks, averaging 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per contest in over 25 career games.
Meanwhile, manning the middle will be the newly-acquired Robin Lopez, who only had eight points and two rebounds in 19 minutes against the Bucks. Lopez isn’t really known for his offense but more on his defense, which is the main reason why the Knicks signed him in the offseason. He’ll hope to provide the Knicks that solid presence under the rim by providing some key blocks and rebounds.
New York is 2-8 SU and 5-5 ATS in its past 10 games at MSG.
Writer’s Prediction
Atlanta (-3.5) notches its first win of the season with a dominant 95-81 victory over the Knicks.
