The New York Knicks, third seed in the Eastern Conference, are set to clash with the sixth-seeded Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs. The matchup revisits an earlier confrontation in 2021 where the Hawks bested the Knicks 4-1. The Knicks are riding high after a franchise-best 53 wins, led by stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. In contrast, the Hawks have found new life post-trade, excelling with a dynamic unit that features Jalen Johnson and C.J. McCollum, reshaping their offensive strategy to a more aggressive play style.

By the Numbers
  • The Knicks have achieved their highest win total since 2013 with 53 wins.
  • Since trading Trae Young, the Hawks posted a 28-15 record, reflecting a 53-win pace.
State of Play
  • The Knicks topped the Hawks in their three-matchup season series, winning twice before the Hawks' roster changes.
  • The Knicks have averaged 123.3 points per 100 possessions against Atlanta this season, showcasing their offensive efficiency.
What's Next

The series kicks off with Game 1 on April 18th, where teams will make critical adjustments to exploit their opponents鈥� weaknesses. Future games will depend on matchups and strategy, particularly how the Hawks manage the Knicks' potent pick-and-roll game.

Bottom Line

The Knicks are expected to outlast the Hawks in six games, leveraging their playoff experience and stronger roster depth. Despite the Hawks' impressive late-season performance, New York's blend of scoring and defense should carry them to victory in a hard-fought series.