New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks Pick & Prediction – 11/27/21
Updated October 28, 2026
Updated October 28, 2026
The New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks meet at State Farm Arena on Saturday, November 27, 2021, in their first matchup since last season's memorable playoff series. Atlanta eliminated New York in five games in the first round, with Trae Young giving the Knicks problems throughout the series.
The Hawks enter this rematch riding a seven-game winning streak, while New York is coming off a disappointing home loss to Phoenix. Both teams played Friday night, making fatigue and travel important factors heading into Saturday's contest.
Atlanta has been particularly strong at home this season, and the Knicks' starting lineup has struggled to produce consistently. Those factors shape our Knicks vs Hawks prediction.
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The Pick: Atlanta Hawks -3.5
Atlanta has won eight of its first nine home games this season, with its only home defeat coming against the Utah Jazz. The Hawks have also been playing their best basketball of the season, winning seven consecutive games heading into Saturday.
New York's starting five remains a concern. Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier have struggled to provide the improvement the Knicks expected, while Julius Randle has been unable to consistently reproduce his excellent 2020-21 form.
Both teams are playing the second night of a back-to-back, but Atlanta has the easier travel schedule. The Hawks are returning home after playing in Memphis, while the Knicks must travel from New York following their loss to Phoenix.
Those advantages make Atlanta -3.5 the preferred selection.
The Hawks are 8-1 at State Farm Arena entering this matchup.
Their only home loss came against Utah, one of the strongest teams in the league at this stage of the season.
Atlanta has otherwise taken care of business in front of its own fans, and that consistency provides a strong foundation for backing the Hawks against a struggling Knicks team.
The Knicks made changes during the offseason, adding Walker and Fournier to improve their offensive production.
However, the new starting lineup has struggled to establish chemistry.
Walker and Fournier have yet to provide a consistent upgrade over the players they replaced, Elfrid Payton and Reggie Bullock.
Randle has also struggled to reach the level that earned him Most Improved Player honors the previous season.
Until New York finds greater consistency from its starters, games against strong opponents will remain difficult.
Both teams played Friday night.
Atlanta traveled to Memphis and recorded a comfortable victory over the Grizzlies. The Hawks now return home for Saturday's game.
New York, meanwhile, suffered a heavy defeat against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden before traveling to Atlanta.
The Knicks face a more demanding turnaround, particularly after a game in which they struggled defensively.
Young was instrumental in Atlanta's first-round playoff victory over New York earlier in 2021.
The Knicks had difficulty containing his scoring and playmaking throughout that series.
New York has not yet established a reliable answer for Young, and its defense has been less effective than it was during the previous season.
That could create another difficult matchup for the Knicks.
New York enters Saturday's game following a disappointing loss to the Phoenix Suns.
The Knicks were thoroughly outplayed at Madison Square Garden, with Devin Booker establishing himself early and helping Phoenix take control.
New York struggled to contain the Suns' offense and never seriously threatened to win.
The performance raised further questions about the Knicks' defensive consistency.
Defense was one of the team's biggest strengths during the 2020-21 season, when Tom Thibodeau led New York back to the playoffs.
This season, however, the Knicks have struggled to maintain those standards.
The addition of Walker and Fournier was intended to provide more scoring, but the team has yet to find the right balance between offense and defense.
Randle was outstanding during the previous season, earning an All-Star selection and becoming the focal point of New York's offense.
His production has been less consistent in the opening weeks of 2021-22.
The Knicks need Randle to create scoring opportunities and contribute efficiently if they are going to challenge Atlanta.
His ability to attack the Hawks' frontcourt and make good decisions under pressure will be important.
Young presents a difficult assignment for New York's perimeter defenders.
His shooting range forces opponents to defend well beyond the three-point line, while his passing creates opportunities for Atlanta's other scorers.
The Knicks struggled to contain him during the playoffs, and their defensive problems this season suggest they could face similar difficulties.
New York must prevent Young from establishing an early rhythm.
That becomes even more important on the second night of a back-to-back.
Atlanta enters the game in excellent form after winning seven consecutive contests.
The Hawks extended that streak Friday night with a convincing victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Memphis lost Ja Morant to an injury during the game, which made the matchup more favorable for Atlanta.
The Hawks took advantage and controlled the contest.
Saturday's opponent presents a different challenge, but Atlanta has plenty of reasons to feel confident.
The Hawks defeated the Knicks in last season's playoffs and have been dominant at home during the early stages of the new campaign.
Young remains Atlanta's most important offensive player.
His combination of scoring, shooting range, and passing makes him extremely difficult to defend.
He also has considerable confidence against New York following his performances in the 2021 playoffs.
The Hawks will look to create favorable matchups for Young and give him opportunities to attack New York's guards.
If he can consistently break down the Knicks' defense, Atlanta should generate plenty of scoring chances.
The biggest concern for the Hawks is the schedule.
Atlanta is playing for the second consecutive night after traveling from Memphis.
Even with the advantage of returning home, fatigue could become a factor.
The Hawks must maintain their defensive intensity and avoid allowing New York to establish an early lead.
Given Atlanta's recent form, the expectation is that the Hawks will handle that challenge.
Young was a major problem for the Knicks during their playoff series.
New York must limit his penetration and prevent him from creating easy opportunities for teammates.
Atlanta will have a significant advantage if Young controls the tempo.
Randle needs to be more effective offensively than he has been in recent games.
Atlanta has the size and athleticism to challenge him, particularly with John Collins and Clint Capela protecting the interior.
New York needs Randle to make quick decisions and avoid difficult, contested attempts.
The Hawks have won eight of nine home games.
New York faces a difficult road assignment after Friday's loss to Phoenix.
The difference in recent form and travel circumstances favors Atlanta.
Atlanta enters this game in better form and has a strong home-court advantage.
The Hawks have won seven consecutive games and have been especially difficult to beat at State Farm Arena.
New York, meanwhile, continues to struggle with its starting lineup and defensive consistency.
The Knicks also face the more demanding travel schedule after playing Friday night in New York.
Young's ability to create offense against the Knicks is another important factor.
Atlanta has already shown it can exploit New York's defensive weaknesses, and the matchup looks favorable again.
Pick: Atlanta Hawks -3.5
The Hawks have the stronger recent form, a favorable home record, and the offensive talent to take advantage of New York's defensive problems.
Atlanta should be able to win by at least four points if it maintains the level of play shown during its seven-game winning streak.
→ Our Take: Atlanta's home form and recent dominance over New York make the Hawks -3.5 the preferred play. The Knicks' inconsistent starting lineup and difficult travel schedule give the home team a clear advantage entering Saturday's matchup.
New York Knicks 99, Atlanta Hawks 90
New York overturned the pregame expectations and defeated Atlanta by nine points at State Farm Arena.
The Knicks ended the Hawks' seven-game winning streak and handed Atlanta just its second home loss of the season.
Alec Burks led New York with 23 points, while Evan Fournier added 20.
Trae Young scored a game-high 33 points for Atlanta, but the Hawks struggled to generate enough offense outside their star guard.
Quarter | Knicks | Hawks |
|---|---|---|
First | 28 | 27 |
Second | 23 | 23 |
Third | 34 | 24 |
Fourth | 14 | 16 |
Final | 99 | 90 |
The Knicks held a narrow 51-50 halftime lead before taking control in the third quarter.
New York outscored Atlanta 34-24 during that period, building an 11-point advantage heading into the fourth.
Neither team scored efficiently in the final quarter, but the Knicks did enough defensively to preserve their lead.
Burks was New York's most important player.
Starting in the backcourt with Walker and Derrick Rose unavailable, he scored 23 points and made four three-pointers.
His biggest contribution came in the third quarter, when he scored 15 points.
That performance helped New York establish the lead it would maintain for the remainder of the game.
Burks also finished with seven rebounds and three assists.
Player | Points |
|---|---|
Alec Burks | 23 |
Evan Fournier | 20 |
RJ Barrett | 15 |
Obi Toppin | 13 |
Immanuel Quickley | 9 |
Julius Randle | 8 |
Fournier was particularly effective from beyond the arc, making four of his six three-point attempts.
Barrett contributed 15 points, while Toppin provided 13 off the bench.
Randle struggled offensively, shooting 3-for-14 from the field, but collected 11 rebounds and recorded four assists.
New York managed to win despite limited scoring from its leading forward.
Young delivered another strong individual performance against the Knicks.
He finished with 33 points and seven assists, making five of his ten three-point attempts.
However, the Hawks received limited scoring support.
Clint Capela contributed 16 points and an impressive 22 rebounds, while John Collins added 12 points.
Several other Atlanta players struggled with their shooting.
Kevin Huerter scored eight points, and Danilo Gallinari finished with five.
Atlanta's inability to convert open shots proved costly.
Player | Points |
|---|---|
Trae Young | 33 |
Clint Capela | 16 |
John Collins | 12 |
Kevin Huerter | 8 |
Danilo Gallinari | 5 |
Lou Williams | 5 |
The Hawks shot just 35.5% from the field.
Their three-point shooting was even less effective, with Atlanta making only nine of 37 attempts.
That lack of efficiency prevented the Hawks from capitalizing on Young's strong performance.
Statistic | Knicks | Hawks |
|---|---|---|
Points | 99 | 90 |
Field goals | 36-for-82 | 33-for-93 |
Field goal percentage | 43.9% | 35.5% |
Three-pointers | 11-for-29 | 9-for-37 |
Three-point percentage | 37.9% | 24.3% |
Free throws | 16-for-22 | 15-for-20 |
Rebounds | 50 | 52 |
Assists | 20 | 18 |
Turnovers | 10 | 6 |
Atlanta had more field goal attempts and committed fewer turnovers.
However, New York was considerably more efficient.
The Knicks shot 43.9% overall and 37.9% from three-point range, compared with Atlanta's 35.5% and 24.3%.
That shooting difference was decisive.
The original ATS.io selection was Atlanta Hawks -3.5.
New York won outright by nine points, meaning the recommended spread wager lost.
Betting market | Result |
|---|---|
Original ATS.io pick | Hawks -3.5 |
Final score | Knicks 99, Hawks 90 |
Winning team | New York Knicks |
Winning margin | Knicks by 9 |
Hawks -3.5 | Lost |
Knicks +3.5 | Won |
Total points scored | 189 |
Atlanta needed to win by at least four points to cover the original spread.
Instead, New York won 99-90.
The Hawks therefore failed to cover by a substantial margin.
New York covered the opposite side of the spread comfortably.
The Knicks won outright as underdogs.
The teams combined for 189 points.
The original article did not specify a total or recommend an Over/Under wager.
The outcome of a totals bet therefore depends on the line available when the wager was placed.
The Hawks entered the game in excellent form, but their offense struggled throughout Saturday's contest.
Atlanta made only 35.5% of its field goal attempts and 24.3% of its three-pointers.
Those percentages were too low to support a winning performance.
The original analysis highlighted New York's inconsistent starting lineup.
However, Burks and Fournier combined for 43 points.
Burks was particularly effective during the decisive third quarter.
Their contributions helped New York overcome Randle's poor shooting performance.
Atlanta entered the game with an 8-1 home record.
The Knicks became just the second visiting team to win at State Farm Arena that season.
The Hawks' recent home success did not translate into another victory.
Young scored 33 points and made five three-pointers.
However, the rest of Atlanta's offense struggled to produce consistently.
Capela contributed 16 points, but several other players had difficult shooting nights.
New York's defense limited the Hawks to 90 points.
The New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 99-90.
Jay Sanin selected Atlanta Hawks -3.5.
No. Atlanta lost by nine points, so Hawks -3.5 was a losing wager.
Yes. New York covered +3.5 and won the game outright.
Young scored 33 points and recorded seven assists.
Alec Burks led New York with 23 points.
Fournier scored 20 points, including four three-pointers.
Capela collected 22 rebounds and scored 16 points.
The teams combined for 189 points.
The game took place at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
New York ended Atlanta's seven-game winning streak.
New York improved to 11-9, while Atlanta fell to 11-10.
Atlanta entered the game with seven consecutive victories and an impressive 8-1 home record.
Those trends supported the original Hawks -3.5 prediction, particularly against a New York team that had struggled defensively and was coming off a heavy loss to Phoenix.
However, the Knicks delivered a much stronger performance than expected.
Burks scored 23 points, Fournier added 20, and New York held Atlanta to just 90 points.
Young produced 33 points, but the Hawks' supporting cast struggled with its shooting.
The result was a 99-90 Knicks victory, ending Atlanta's winning streak and handing the Hawks a rare home defeat.
→ Our Take: The original Hawks -3.5 pick lost as New York produced one of its better defensive performances of the early season. Burks and Fournier supplied the offense, while Atlanta's poor shooting undermined Young's 33-point effort. The Knicks won outright and covered comfortably.
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Updated October 28, 2026
