New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks Series Preview: Key Players, H2H & Schedule

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New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks Series Preview: Key Players, H2H & Schedule image

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

By Joel Reyes

The New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks will lock horns in the first round of the 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs after finishing third and sixth, respectively, in the East standings.

Alta Sports breaks down this best-of-seven series, identifying the key players for both teams, their previous head-to-head matchups, as well as the schedule for this blockbuster showdown.

Best-of-7 Schedule (PH time)

Game 1 – Atlanta at New York (Sunday, April 19, 6 a.m.)

Game 2 – Atlanta at New York (Tuesday, April 21, 8 a.m.)

Game 3 – New York at Atlanta (Friday, April 24, 7 a.m.)

Game 4 – New York at Atlanta (Sunday, April 26, 6 a.m.)

Game 5 – (if necessary) – Atlanta at New York (Wednesday, April 29, TBD)

Game 6 – (if necessary) – New York at Atlanta (Friday, May 1, TBD)

Game 7 – (if necessary) – Atlanta at New York (Sunday, May 3, TBD)

Head-to-head matchups in 2025-26 season

The Knicks won their season series against the Hawks 2-1. They first squared off on Dec. 28, with New York recording a thrilling 128-125 victory on the road.

The Hawks got some revenge the next time they faced the Knicks on Jan. 3, securing a 111-99 win at Madison Square Garden.

They faced each other for the final time in the regular season on Apr. 7, with New York posting a slim 108-105 victory.

Key Players

Jalen Johnson has been a revelation for Atlanta this season, leading the team in scoring (22.5 PPG) and rebounding (10.3 RPG).

Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images

He has stepped up big time following the departure of franchise player Trae Young, who was traded to the Washington Wizards in the middle of the season.

New York, on the other hand, will be led by Jalen Brunson, who averaged 26.0 points and 6.8 assists per game this season.

He wreaked havoc against the Hawks this campaign, averaging 29.3 points and 7.7 assists through three meetings.

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