Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks – Preview & Prediction (Dec. 27, 2025)
How both teams have been playing
The Hawks come into this one struggling. They’ve won just two of their last 11 games and are in the middle of a five-game losing streak. Defense has been the biggest issue — they’ve given up more than 120 points in each of those recent losses and sit near the bottom of the league on that end. Offense hasn’t been the problem, with the team showing signs of life there, but the defensive lapses have made a direct playoff spot a tougher ask. Atlanta currently sits 10th in the East with a 15–17 record and has played slightly more games than some rivals.
Their home form hasn’t helped: the Hawks are 0-4 on a current homestand after defeats to Chicago, San Antonio and Miami. In the most recent loss, Miami pulled away in the second quarter and, despite a third-quarter push from Atlanta, finished strong to win 126–111. Trae Young led the Hawks with 30 points and six assists, while Jalen Johnson put up a strong all-around line.
The Knicks have had a mostly positive stretch. They lifted the NBA Cup earlier in the season and are sitting near the top of the East at 21–9. There’s been a bit of a post-tournament dip in energy — they’re 3-2 in their last five games — but the schedule has been tough, with multiple matchups against top-level opponents. New York have also played one fewer game than some teams ahead of them.
After losing to Minnesota, the Knicks bounced back at home against Cleveland. They fell behind early but flipped the script in the second quarter, traded leads through the second half and then produced a strong fourth-quarter push to win 126–124. Jalen Brunson led the scoring with 34 points and made key plays down the stretch.
Injuries, H2H and prediction
Head-to-head, New York took three of five meetings between these teams last season, so recent history slightly favors the Knicks.
Injury news: Atlanta will be without Eli Ndiaye and N’Faly Dante, with Kristaps Porziņģis listed as questionable. New York will miss Landry Shamet and Josh Hart, and Miles McBride is doubtful.
Prediction: The Knicks are clear favorites here. Atlanta’s defensive slide and the fatigue from a packed schedule give New York an edge, especially with the Hawks coming off a tough stretch and less rest. Expect the Knicks to win and cover the spread on the road.
Tip-off time: Saturday, 8:00 p.m. EST, December 27th
Prediction: New York Knicks -4.5
