The New York Knicks took the opening game of this first-round series, but Game 2 should feel even more intense. Atlanta showed enough burst in the opener to suggest this matchup may tighten fast, while New York will lean on home-court energy, playoff poise, and its top scorers.
OG Anunoby is still listed as probable, which matters for both the Knicksâ defense and their wing spacing.
How to watch Knicks vs. Hawks
Date: Monday, April 20, 2026.
Time: 8 p.m. ET.
TV channel: NBC.
Streaming: Peacock.
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York.
Match preview
GettyNew York Knicks v Atlanta Hawks
Gameââââââââââââââââ 2 will be played with the Knicks leading the series 1-0 after a 113-102 win in the opener. New York has demonstrated that its half-court execution can effectively score against Atlanta, especially when Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns continue their good form.
On the other hand, the Hawks will attempt to quicken the pace of the game and find better looks in transition, which is where they were most threatening at times in Game ââââââââââââââââ1.
Expected starting lineups
Knicks: Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns.
Hawks: Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, CJ McCollum, Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu(QUESTIONABLE)
What happened in Game 1, and what comes next
GettyAtlanta Hawks v New York Knicks – Game One
Gameââââââââââââââââ 1 changed pace early when Brunson scored 19 first-quarter points making his mark, then Towns dominated with 19 of his 25 coming after halftime. Anunoby scored 18 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, while Josh Hart contributed 11 points and 14 boards. Atlanta was led by 26 from McCollum and 23 from Jalen Johnson, but the Hawks didn’t have enough to hang with New York’s rally.
The biggest issue in Game 2 is whether Atlanta can maintain its pace for four quarters and avoid the isolated stretches that led to its defeat in the opening match. On the other hand, New York will want to keep challenging shot-takers, forcing them into difficult shots, controlling the glass, and relying on Brunson, Towns, and Anunoby to generate offense.
If Game 1 was a taking position, then Game 2 is the first real response from the ââââââââââââââââHawks.
Atlantaâs âHack-a-Mitchâ tactic in Game 1 targeted Mitchell Robinsonâs free-throw weakness, briefly disrupting the Knicksâ rhythm as he went 1-of-4 from the line. However, New York responded smartly, with coach Mike Brown using Robinson strategically to draw early fouls before subbing him out at the right time.
This adjustment flipped momentum. In Game 2, the Hawks may use the tactic more selectively, while the Knicks could counter with quicker rotations or more Karl-Anthony Towns at center. If Robinson converts early free throws, Atlantaâs strategy could quickly become ineffective again.
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