Return to the Garden: Knicks vs. Hawks Game 1 Preview

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NEW YORK — The energy at Madison Square Garden is expected to be electric tomorrow, as the #3 seed New York Knicks begin their postseason journey against the #6 seed Atlanta Hawks.

This matchup features two teams that look significantly different than they did a year ago. The Knicks have leaned into their championship aspirations under new head coach Mike Brown, while the Hawks have found a second life and a 46-win season following the mid-season trade of franchise star Trae Young.

The Storylines: Continuity vs. Reinvention

1. The Knicks’ New Identity

New York (53–29) finished the season with a two-win improvement over last year’s Eastern Conference Finals run. While they kept their core of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns intact, the transition from Tom Thibodeau to Mike Brown has modernized their offense, making them one of the most efficient scoring units in the league.

Health Reinforcements: After a late-season scare, two-way star OG Anunoby (ankle) practiced this week and is expected to be in the starting lineup for Game 1.
The Garden Factor: The Knicks were dominant at home this season, posting a 30–10 record at MSG.

2. The Hawks’ Post-Trae Renaissance

Many predicted a collapse when Atlanta traded Trae Young to the Wizards at the deadline, but the opposite happened. The Hawks went 31–18 to close the year.

The New Guard: CJ McCollum has been a perfect veteran fit, providing steady playmaking and floor spacing alongside breakout star Jalen Johnson.
Length and Defense: Without Young, the Hawks have leaned into a more defensive-minded, versatile lineup that matches up better with New York’s wing-heavy attack.

Key Matchups & Injury Report

Jalen Brunson vs. CJ McCollum: A battle of two high-IQ, “crafty” guards. McCollum’s ability to limit Brunson’s paint touches will be the most important factor for Atlanta.
The Battle in the Paint: Karl-Anthony Towns provides a unique challenge for an Atlanta frontcourt that is currently short-handed.

Injury Report:

Hawks: Backup center Jock Landale is OUT (high ankle sprain) and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. This puts immense pressure on 23-year-old Mouhamed Gueye to handle backup minutes against a deep Knicks frontline.
Knicks: OG Anunoby is likely to play. Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson, who were rested in the season finale, are also expected to be available.

The Bottom Line: The Knicks enter as heavy favorites (-5.5), but the Hawks have already proven they can win at the Garden this season. If New York’s defense can neutralize the Jalen Johnson/CJ McCollum duo early, their depth should eventually wear Atlanta down. However, if the Hawks’ “new-look” chemistry holds up, this could be the longest series in the East.