The New York Knicks will host the Atlanta Hawks on December 11, 2024, at Madison Square Garden, in what promises to be an exciting matchup between two high-scoring teams. The Knicks come into the game with a solid 15-9 record, while the Hawks are looking to improve their 13-12 standing, riding a three-game road winning streak. Both teams boast key players who can impact the game on both ends of the court, making this contest a must-watch. This preview will break down key player performances, team insights, and provide a prediction for this thrilling encounter.
Game Information
- Game Time: 7:00 PM ET on Wednesday, December 11, 2024
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Live Stream: Watch via Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Favorite: Knicks (-6.5)
- Total Points Over/Under: 237.5
Key Players to Watch
New York Knicks
Karl-Anthony Towns: Averaging 25.1 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, Towns has been dominant on both ends of the court, shooting 53.1% from the field and 44.7% from three-point range. He will be crucial for the Knicks’ frontcourt dominance.
Jalen Brunson: With 25.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game, Brunson continues to lead the Knicks’ offense, contributing not only with scoring but also with playmaking. His defensive stats of 0.6 steals will also play a significant role.
Josh Hart: Hart’s versatility is key, contributing 13.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. His strong defensive presence with 1.4 steals will be vital against Atlanta’s fast-paced attack.
Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young: The leader of the Hawks, averaging 20.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 12.2 assists, Young is a threat both as a scorer and playmaker. His shooting from beyond the arc, although inconsistent, remains crucial to Atlanta’s offense.
Jalen Johnson: Known for his impressive all-around game, Johnson is contributing 19.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. His ability to impact both ends of the floor makes him a key player in this matchup.
Clint Capela: The Hawks’ anchor in the paint, Capela contributes 10.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game. His presence in the paint will be critical against the physicality of New York’s big men.
Team Insights
New York Knicks
The Knicks have been offensive juggernauts, averaging 117.8 points per game (7th in the NBA). They have struggled with rebounding, ranking fifth-worst in the league with 42.0 rebounds per game, but they excel defensively in terms of limiting rebounds, allowing just 40.4 per game (best in the league). Their three-point shooting is another strength, ranking 2nd-best with a 39.9% shooting percentage.However, their points allowed stands at 111.0 per game, ranking 10th in the league, and this will be an area of concern against a high-scoring team like Atlanta.
Atlanta Hawks
Offensively, the Hawks are no slouches, averaging 117.1 points per game (8th in the NBA). However, their defense is where they face challenges, ranking 3rd-worst in points allowed at 119.8 per game. They also struggle with three-point defense, allowing 16.0 threes per game, the 2nd-worst in the NBA.Rebounding is a relative strength for Atlanta, with the team ranking 6th in the league with 45.9 rebounds per game. With players like Clint Capela and Jalen Johnson, the Hawks are capable of controlling the boards, which could give them an edge over the Knicks.
Match Prediction
This game is likely to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams capable of putting up big numbers. The Knicks’ strong three-point shooting and defensive advantages make them the favorites for this match, particularly given Atlanta’s struggles on the defensive end.
Prediction: Knicks win by 5-8 points.