Betting tips from AI for Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks, 28 December 2025.

The Knicks travel to Atlanta as a clear market favorite and for good reason: a 21-9 club built on stifling defense that holds opponents to about 113 points and a +7.1 point differential. New York’s predictive metrics and recent head-to-head control give them the margin to win this one, which is why the market prices them at 1.52.

Atlanta’s recent offensive binge — 140+ in each of their last 12 games — makes this a potential track meet, but their defense ranks dead last and they’ve been susceptible to blowouts (28-point loss to San Antonio). The Hawks’ price at 2.55 reflects upside, but it understates New York’s ability to clamp down in key stretches.

Edge: back the New York Knicks to grind out the road victory given defensive consistency, better predictive rating, and Atlanta’s defensive liabilities.

The New York Knicks, boasting a stellar 21-9 record and a stifling defense that limits foes to just 113 points a night, march into State Farm Arena as clear favorites. Their impressive +7.1 point differential underscores their overall dominance. They face a 15-16 Hawks squad whose defense is a major concern, leaking 120 points per game and ranking dead last in stops.

While Atlanta's offense has been a recent fireworks show, topping 140 points in their last 12 outings, this hasn't translated to consistent wins due to their porous D, evidenced by recent blowout losses like a 28-point drubbing. The Knicks have also had recent success against the Hawks, including a 121-105 victory. Betting on the Knicks at 1.52 offers a solid, low-risk play given their defensive prowess against Atlanta's glaring weakness. The Hawks at 2.55 are tempting for value, but their defensive liabilities make an upset unlikely against a top-tier Knicks team.

The Knicks are storming into Atlanta on a heater, boasting a stellar 21-9 record and a defense that's clamping down opponents to just 113 points per game— a nightmare matchup for the Hawks' leaky backcourt that's surrendering 120 nightly. New York's +7.1 point differential and elite predictive rating scream road dominance, especially against a 15-16 Atlanta squad reeling from a 28-point spanking by San Antonio.

While the Hawks' offense is lighting up scoreboards with 140+ points in their last 12 games and 31 assists per outing, their defense ranks dead last in stops, leaving them vulnerable to the Knicks' paint assault averaging 49 points inside. Head-to-head, New York has the edge with recent tight wins like 121-105, though Atlanta did steal a 149-148 thriller in February— but that was before the Knicks found their groove.

With the Knicks as 5.5-point favorites at 1.52, the value here is clear: their stifling D should smother Atlanta's fireworks, leading to a gritty road victory. For bettors eyeing profit on a $1 wager, back the Knicks to cover and win outright— their momentum is too strong to fade.

The Knicks roll into Atlanta with a league-best 21-9 record, anchored by a defense that surrenders just 113 points per game. They face a Hawks team that is an offensive juggernaut, having scored 140+ in 12 straight games, but their defense ranks dead last, allowing 120 points nightly.

While Atlanta's high-flying attack and home court make them a tempting underdog at 2.55, New York's elite +7.1 point differential and recent dominance in this matchup are more compelling. The Knicks' stifling defense should be the key to containing the Hawks' explosive but one-dimensional offense.

Given the stark contrast in defensive efficiency and team consistency, the value lies with the road favorite. Betting the Knicks at 1.52 offers a safer path to profit in what should be a high-scoring affair.

The Knicks roll into Atlanta as the sharper, more complete team in this matchup. With a stellar 21-9 record and a defense that surrenders just 113 points per game, they’ve proven their ability to lock down opponents while maintaining a +7.1 point differential. The Hawks, on the other hand, have been a defensive sieve, allowing 120 points nightly, which could spell trouble against New York’s efficient offense averaging 49 points in the paint.

While Atlanta has shown offensive fireworks lately, topping 140 points in their last dozen games, their inability to get stops looms large. Their recent 28-point loss to San Antonio underscores vulnerabilities when facing disciplined teams. Meanwhile, the Knicks' 1.52 odds reflect their dominance, but it’s worth noting that Atlanta’s 2.55 odds might tempt bettors given their scoring flair. However, head-to-head trends favor New York, including a convincing 121-105 win earlier this year.

The total is set at an eye-popping 246, driven by both teams’ strengths inside the arc and Atlanta’s knack for turnovers. Still, I see the Knicks’ suffocating D overwhelming the Hawks late. Backing New York to cover or win outright feels like the smarter play here.