NBA Basketball
2026-04-20 - Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States : NBA Basketball Playoffs First Round Game 2
Monday 20th April 2026 - Scheduled 8pm EST
1am (British Time)
Preview
The second half performance saw the New York Knicks take control of Game 1 of this First Round Series and ultimately ended with a 1-0 lead.
No one can take anything for granted in what has looked like a potentially awkward First Round Series, but the New York Knicks will be pretty happy with the level they produced in that opening win. They were the superior team when it came to the three points shooting having shown a bit more efficiency compared with the Atlanta Hawks, while the Knicks won the battle on the boards.
That was a key factor to determining the outcome of Game 1 and the New York Knicks will be looking to become the latest home team that have won the opening game of a First Round Series to back that up effectively in the second game before heading out on the road.
They will have respect for this Atlanta Hawks team and the way they have performed over the last couple of months, but the New York Knicks have the momentum.
There were some big moments in Game 1 which will have frustrated the Atlanta Hawks- they were only 2 points behind going into half time, but the Hawks only managed to score 19 points in the Third Quarter. Some of the starters will be looking for more intensity on the court, but the Hawks are trying to turn the tables on the Knicks in a tough spot for road teams who have lost Game 1 of the First Round Series.
Atlanta are dangerous, but they are a little inexperienced and that perhaps showed in the second half of Game 1.
It is all about making the adjustments work, but the Hawks will have to focus on those on the Defensive side of the court if they are going to return home with a split in the Series.
Home teams that won Game 1 have a very strong record at covering in Game 2 of recent First Round Series and that could be the case in this one too.
Prediction
The selection for Game 1 was backing the road underdog, but the New York Knicks showed they have the experience to win big time Playoff games and can back that up by securing a win and cover in Game 2.
The Pick :
New York Knicks 115-107 Atlanta Hawks
