NBA Playoffs Game 3 Knicks vs Hawks: Game Preview and Prediction

New York Knicks @ Atlanta Hawks Game Details

Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA

TV: Prime Video

Betting Line: Hawks -1.5

Over/Under: 216.5

Series Status: Tied 1-1

Knicks vs Hawks Prediction & Game Preview

This Eastern Conference playoff matchup between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks shifts into a pivotal Game 3, with momentum now hanging in the balance after a dramatic swing in Game 2.

Atlanta enters this matchup riding the emotional high of a stunning 107-106 comeback victory at Madison Square Garden. Down double digits in the fourth quarter, the Hawks surged behind CJ McCollum’s 32-point performance to steal home-court advantage. Now back in Atlanta, the Hawks have an opportunity to seize control of the series in front of what should be a raucous home crowd.

New York, meanwhile, finds itself searching for answers after letting Game 2 slip away. Despite a strong outing from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks failed to execute down the stretch. As the series shifts to State Farm Arena, New York must regroup defensively and find consistent secondary scoring if they want to reclaim control.

From a betting perspective, this matchup centers on momentum versus resilience. Atlanta brings confidence and rhythm, while New York leans on structure and playoff experience.

Top 4 Prop Bets

Prop Bet #1: CJ McCollum Over 26.5 Points

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: McCollum Over 26.5 Points

• Scoring
• Momentum
• Value

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CJ McCollum is coming off a dominant Game 2 performance and has clearly established himself as the offensive leader for Atlanta in this series. His ability to create shots in isolation and knock down perimeter jumpers makes him extremely difficult to defend, especially in high-pressure moments. With the confidence gained from his late-game heroics, expect McCollum to remain aggressive. This prop offers strong value given his current form and usage.

Prop Bet #2: Jalen Brunson Over 28.5 Points

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Brunson Over 28.5 Points

• Volume
• Star Power
• Value

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Jalen Brunson continues to carry the scoring load for the Knicks and remains their most reliable offensive weapon. His ability to control tempo and create efficient scoring opportunities keeps New York competitive. In a critical Game 3, Brunson’s usage should remain high as the Knicks look to stabilize their offense. This prop presents solid value given his consistency and role.

Prop Bet #3: Jalen Johnson Over 7.5 Rebounds

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Johnson Over 7.5 Rebounds

• Athleticism
• Energy
• Value

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Jalen Johnson’s athleticism and activity level make him a key factor on the glass for Atlanta. His ability to secure rebounds and initiate transition opportunities plays directly into the Hawks’ preferred style of play. Against a Knicks team that thrives in the half court, Johnson’s rebounding could be a deciding factor. This prop offers strong value based on his role and matchup.

Prop Bet #4: Game Total Over 216.5 Points

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Over 216.5

• Pace
• Offense
• Value

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With Atlanta pushing the pace and New York relying on high-usage scoring from its stars, this matchup has the potential to exceed the projected total. If the Hawks dictate tempo and the Knicks respond offensively, scoring could increase significantly. This prop holds value given the likely game flow and adjustments from both teams.

The Matchup Context: Series Momentum

Atlanta looks to build on its Game 2 comeback and take control, while New York aims to regroup and reclaim the edge in a tightly contested series.

Players to Watch

CJ McCollum (Hawks): Primary scorer and late-game playmaker.

Jalen Brunson (Knicks): Offensive engine and leader.

Jalen Johnson (Hawks): Versatile forward impacting multiple areas.

Mikal Bridges (Knicks): Key perimeter scorer seeking a bounce-back.

The Verdict

Prediction: Hawks 109, Knicks 105

Pick: Hawks -1.5

The energy at State Farm Arena combined with Atlanta’s current momentum gives the Hawks a slight edge. While New York has the discipline to respond, Atlanta’s pace and confidence should be enough to secure a narrow victory in Game 3.