New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks December 11th 2024
At 7:00 ET, the Knicks (-292) will host the Hawks (+239) in a matchup between two Eastern Conference teams. The Knicks are currently favored by 7 points and have a record of 15-9, which is good for 4th in the East. The Hawks are 7th in the East with a record of 13-12.
This game will be played at Madison Square Garden in New York and can be seen on ESPN. The over/under line for the game is currently set at 236.5 points.
Hawks vs. Knicks Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks
- Where: New York at Madison Square Garden
- Date: Wednesday, December 11th
- Betting Odds NY -7, ATL +239 | NY -292 O/U 236.5
The Hawks Can Win If…
The Hawks fell to 13-12 on the season after a 141-111 loss to the Nuggets on Sunday. Atlanta, favored by 1.5 points at home, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 252, surpassing the pre-game line of 240.5.
Denver took control early, leading 38-23 after the 1st quarter and 71-48 at halftime. Atlanta showed some life with a 10-0 run, cutting the score from 95-67 to 95-77, but the Nuggets responded by outscoring the Hawks 35-27 in the 4th quarter.
The Hawks struggled offensively in their 141-111 loss to the Nuggets, shooting just 40.6% from the field and connecting on only 9 threes at a 22.5% clip. De’Andre Hunter led the way with 20 points, though he shot just 35% from the floor.
Dyson Daniels added 18 points, scoring 8 of those in the 3rd quarter. Trae Young finished with 15 points, 12 of which came in the 4th quarter.
The Hawks struggled defensively on Sunday, giving up 141 points to the Nuggets while allowing them to shoot 62% from the field. Atlanta allowed 38 points in the 1st quarter and at least 33 points in every quarter.
Even though the Hawks limited the Nuggets to 12 made threes, Denver still shot 44% from beyond the arc. The Hawks sent the Nuggets to the line 24 times, where they made 17 free throws. Atlanta finished with 12 steals and 2 blocks.
- In their last five games away from home, the Hawks have a straight up record of 3-2 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team averaged 116 points per game in this stretch.
- Through their last three games as the underdog, the Hawks have an ATS record of 3-0 and a straight up mark of 3-0.
- Over their last five games, the Hawks have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.
The Knicks Can Win If…
The Knicks improved to 15-9 on the season with a 113-108 win over the Raptors on Monday. New York was favored by 7.5 points but didn’t cover the spread, and the game’s total of 221 points fell short of the 231.5-point line.
Toronto went on a 13-0 run, taking the lead from 53-44 to 57-53. The Knicks responded by outscoring the Raptors 30-22 in the 4th quarter to secure the win.
The Knicks shot 51.2% from the field and connected on 17 threes at a 42.5% clip in their win over the Raptors. Karl-Anthony Towns led the way with 24 points and 15 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges added 23 points, hitting 5 threes at 62.5%.
Jalen Brunson contributed 20 points and 11 assists, making 4 threes at 50%. Towns scored 10 points in the 4th quarter, while Bridges added 9 in the final frame.
The Knicks gave up 34 points in the 2nd quarter but tightened up their defense in the 2nd half, allowing just 47 points to secure the win. They were especially strong in the 4th quarter, holding the Raptors to 22 points.
Overall, the Knicks held the Raptors to 44% shooting, including 37% from three, where Toronto made 13 threes. The Raptors also went 9/11 from the free-throw line. The Knicks finished with 7 steals and 7 blocks.
- Although New York has a straight up record of 2-1 in their last three home games, they have not held up as well vs. the spread going 0-3. The team averaged 108 points per game in these games.
- Going back to their last ten games as the favorite, the Knicks have a straight up record of 7-3. But, their mark vs the spread was just 5-5.
- In their last three games, the Knicks have an over/under record of 3-0 and are 2-1 vs. the spread.
The Lean
As the underdogs with a spread of +7, we recommend going with the Hawks on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.
Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 236.5 and given that our model is projecting 270 points between the teams, we like the over.
Garden Enemy Trae Young Out to Shoot Hawks Past Knicks in NBA Cup
Madison Square Garden braces for another electrifying encounter as the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks face off in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday. Though the Knicks’ roster has changed since their 2021 playoff clash with Atlanta, Trae Young remains a familiar and fierce rival, ensuring the matchup will feel like a postseason showdown.
The winner of Wednesday’s game advances to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas on Saturday, where they will meet the victor of the Milwaukee Bucks-Orlando Magic quarterfinal.
Knicks’ Momentum and Steady Leadership
The Knicks (4-0 in East Group A) have been a model of consistency this season under head coach Tom Thibodeau. On Monday, they secured a gritty 113-108 comeback win over the Toronto Raptors, extending their reputation as a resilient and disciplined team.
Thibodeau, known for his “all-business” demeanor, downplayed the significance of the NBA Cup. After the Knicks clinched their group by beating the Orlando Magic on Dec. 3, Thibodeau focused on the next opponent, saying, “I’m just worried about Charlotte.”
However, point guard Jalen Brunson, who embodies Thibodeau’s leadership style on the court, admitted the prize money adds motivation. Players on quarterfinal-losing teams receive $51,497, while champions earn $514,971 per player.
“I think there’s money involved,” Brunson quipped. “So I think there’s a lot of motivation regardless.”
Trae Young: The Modern Garden Villain
Trae Young’s history with Knicks fans dates back to the 2021 Eastern Conference first-round series, where he led the Hawks to a 4-1 victory. Young thrived amid the hostility, averaging 29.2 points and 9.8 assists per game while silencing the crowd with clutch plays. His iconic “shushing” gesture after a game-winning floater in Game 1 cemented his status as a Madison Square Garden villain.
Young hasn’t lost his flair for theatrics. On Friday, he made NBA history by becoming the first player in at least 45 years to tally 30 points, 20 assists, and five 3-pointers in a game. His 3-pointer with eight seconds left secured a 134-132 overtime win against the Los Angeles Lakers.
“My confidence comes from the work that I’ve put in over the years,” Young said after the win.
Knicks fans have even heckled him on the road, booing him at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena in November. Young embraced the animosity, saying,
“I hope these New York fans find their way to the exit real, real quick. Boooo! Take y’all (rear ends) home.”
The Stakes and Keys to Victory
Both teams enter the game after contrasting performances. The Knicks have momentum following their comeback against Toronto, while the Hawks are regrouping after a lopsided 141-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. However, Atlanta (3-1 in East Group C) earned their quarterfinal berth with a 117-116 victory over the Boston Celtics, proving they can rise to the occasion.
For the Knicks, controlling the tempo and minimizing Young’s opportunities to dictate the game will be critical. Brunson’s leadership and the Knicks’ defensive discipline could be decisive.
The Hawks will rely on Young’s creativity and shot-making to navigate the Knicks’ stifling defense. Atlanta also needs contributions from Dejounte Murray and the supporting cast to match the Knicks’ depth.
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The Final Showdown
With the stakes raised by the inaugural NBA Cup and the history between Young and Knicks fans, this quarterfinal promises a playoff-like atmosphere. Whether the Knicks can neutralize Young’s theatrics or the Hawks’ star delivers another Madison Square Garden masterpiece will determine who advances to Las Vegas.