Knicks vs Hawks Odds, Picks & Predictions on April 5

• The New York Knicks are 4-point favorites over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday afternoon
• Jalen Brunson (ankle) has been upgraded to questionable
• See the Knicks vs Hawks odds, and my picks and predictions below

Hoops fans have a nice lead-in to the Final Four on Saturday, as the Knicks (48-28, 22-16 away) face in the Hawks (36-40, 19-18 home) in a matinee affair. To add more intrigue to the matchup, there’s a chance Jalen Brunson returns from a month long absence. Whether he plays or not, online sportsbooks are still bullish on New York in the NBA odds. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:10 pm ET at the State Farm Arena, in Atlanta, GA.

Knicks vs Hawks Odds

The Knicks opened as 4-point favorites and at -175 on the moneyline. The total sits at 235.5, with Atlanta coming back as +145 ‘dogs. Per the NBA public betting trends, New York has covered in five of its last seven outings, beating the spread each time they were favored.

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New York vs Atlanta Injury Report

Brunson hasn’t played since suffering an ankle injury on March 6th. He was cleared for basketball activities earlier in the week, and is expected return this weekend. He’ll suit up either on Saturday versus the Hawks, or Sunday against the Suns. He’s a candidate for All-NBA honors, and the Knicks are a serious threat in the NBA Championship odds with him in the lineup.

Brunson isn’t the only injury I’m monitoring. Atlanta is already down Jalen Johnson, Clint Capela and Larry Nance, while Trae Young is considered day-to-day. Young is dealing with an Achilles injury, but early reports suggest he should be able to play.

Knicks vs Hawks Predictions

A return against the Hawks would be a soft landing spot for Brunson. Atlanta ranks 22nd in defensive rating since the All-Star Break, and has dropped four of the last five. Despite the Hawks struggles, that didn’t stop NBA steals leader Dyson Daniels from calling out Brunson. Daniels was quoted as saying “Brunson doesn’t want me guarding him, that’s for sure”.

Daniels has turned into a top defender in the league, but Brunson hasn’t been immune to success against him. In the last two meetings versus Atlanta, Brunson has dropped 34 and 36 points in Knicks victories.

While the Hawks have been slumping recently, New York enters in solid form. They’ve won three of their last four, each by 9+ points. They’re 39-22 with Brunson in the lineup, averaging five more points when he plays.

If Brunson was a lock to play, Knicks -4 would be a slam dunk. Even if he sits however, I predict New York wins comfortably. The nucleus of Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges is a superior top-three than anything Atlanta can put out. That fact is amplified if Young sits, although as mentioned he is in line to play.

Anunoby’s been on fire recently, pouring in 23+ points in eight straight games. New York remains one of the top defensive teams in the league, and boasts an elite offensive ceiling as well. Pre All-Star Break, this team ranked second in offensive rating. When Brunson returns, expect the offensive efficiency to improve, making them a tough postseason opponent.

Knicks vs Hawks Picks

• New York Knicks -4 (-110) at DraftKings

Recent form, a better nucleus, and a cleaner injury report has me siding with New York against the spread. If Brunson’s ruled in this line will move further in the Knicks favor, so act quickly. New York is averaging 134 points over its last two meetings with Atlanta, while the Hawks have surrendered at least 121 points in five straight games.