PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 18: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against Jordan Goodwin #23 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 18, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There was one assignment heading into Friday night against the Golden State Warriors that nobody really wants. Stephen Curry in an elimination game. That’s not a comfortable place to live.
And sure, this isn’t peak Curry. He’s banged up. He’s 38. But shooters don’t age out of danger. They find ways, and he was coming off a 35-point performance against the Los Angeles Clippers, with 27 of those in the second half. Along with Al Horford, he dragged his team into position for this game. That’s the reality with Curry. You can slow him for stretches. A few minutes, a quarter, maybe even a half. But shutting him down for a full game is rare. And when the Curry Flurry starts, you feel it, brace, and try to survive it.
It wasn’t a great defensive showing against Deni Avdija and the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday for Jordan Goodwin. He’s your point of attack defender, and he got targeted. Too often, Portland got downhill without much resistance. Some of that is on him. A lot of it is on the scheme behind him. He was left on an island with no lifeboat. There was no rim presence to clean it up. That’s a tough ask against a team committed to attacking the paint, and they took advantage.
His next assignment was Stephen Curry in an elimination game against the Golden State Warriors. High leverage, high pressure, no margin. And Goodwin delivered. He brought it defensively, stayed attached, and made things uncomfortable. On the other end, he found his moments. He knocked down open threes created by the gravity around him, impacted the game on the glass (especially with his work on the offensive boards), and was a menace generating turnovers.
The final stat line jumps off the page. What Jordan Goodwin did to Stephen Curry was a master class, and a big reason the Phoenix Suns are moving on to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. Curry ended scoring just 17 points on 4-of-16 from the field and 3-of-10 from deep. 16 shots to generate 17 points? You’ll take that every day of the week. In his 7:04 minutes as the primary defender, Goodwin held Curry to 1-of-6 shooting across 33.4 possessions. One made three. One assist. One turnover. That’s elite work against one of the greatest to ever do it.
Steph Curry when being covered by Jordan Goodwin in the Play-In:
Offensively, Goodwin became the guy the Suns needed. That tierary punch. Because this team isn’t built to survive on Devin Booker and Jalen Green alone. You need that third voice, an unexpected scorer. Too often this season, whether it’s Royce O’Neale, Collin Gillespie, or Grayson Allen, it hasn’t shown up consistently. But when it does, it changes everything. That’s what Goodwin was. 19 points, 7-of-11 from the field, 4-of-7 from deep.
Then there’s the rebounding. It’s wild to watch a guard that size impact the glass the way Jordan Goodwin does. But it’s been there all season. He finds angles, carves out space, and beats bigger players to the spot. He did it again Friday night, pulling down nine boards (four on the offensive end) even with size on the floor like Al Horford and Kristaps Porziņģis.
And his peskiness was on full display as well. Goodwin snagged 6 steals, which would put him in some interesting company if this game were classified as a playoff game. But it is not. It’s a Play-In game, which is like purgatory. The games don’t count towards your regular season totals, and they don’t count toward postseason. If it were a postseason stat, only 4 other Suns in the history of the franchise have had 6+ steals in a playoff game. Kyle Macy (6, 1984), Charles Barkley (7, 1993), Jason Kidd (6, 1998), and Shawn Marion (6, 2006).
Basketball Purgatory Stat: Only 4 players in Suns' history have had 6+ steals in a playoff game:
“Massive at both ends. We can’t overstate his shot making, but to hold a guy like that (Stephen Curry), 3-of-10, 4- of-16, and then we talked possession, possession, possessions, he had four offensive rebounds and six steals,” head coach Joran Ott said of Goodwin after the game. “Where he started the season to now speaks volumes about who he is and what he’s becoming as a basketball player, super excited and happy he’s on our team.”
“I think that when we are at our best is when we are being aggressive,” Goodwin stated in the post-game presser. “Just go out there and try to set the tone on the defensive end, I know we got the guys who will set it on the offensive end. I am just trying to get us going a bit, get the ball in transition, get them guys going. Definitely just hanging my hat on it, taking on whatever matchup I got, just trying to do my best to make it difficult out there.”
Goodie is the first Suns player to record 19+ PTS, 9+ REB, and 6+ STL in ANY NBA GAME since Shawn Marion in 05-06. pic.twitter.com/63a2Xmposm
It’s not about the size of the dog in the fight. It’s about the size of the fight in the dog. Jordan Goodwin embodies that. He brings everything he has, every possession. He’s undersized, sure. But the impact is undeniable. What he did against the Golden State Warriors on Friday night went beyond the box score. It helped put an overachieving team into the postseason, which allows us to feel great about this season. Because of that effort, we get more time. More games. More chances to evaluate what this Phoenix Suns team can be.
It was a good night for Goodwin. It was a great night for Phoenix.
After running the table in the NBA Play-In, the Phoenix Suns are back in the playoffs, but standing in their way is the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
My Suns vs. Thunder predictions expect OKC to dominate Sunday's series opener, fueled by another standout performance from their reigning MVP.
Before resting their players for the final week of the regular season, the Oklahoma City Thunder were clicking.
The Thunder had won seven straight contests, going 5-2 ATS before their skeleton crew dropped the last two regular-season contests. OKC is also 8-2 SU in its last 10 head-to-head matchups against the Phoenix Suns.
Expect the Under to cash, as Phoenix won’t be trying to speed things up — they capped off the season ranked 24th in pace. Meanwhile, the Thunder turned up the defensive pressure in the postseason last year.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been an MVP performer against the Suns this season, averaging 30 points per game and hitting half of his 3-point attempts. SGA also shot 51% on 2-pointers, an area where the Suns were weak this season, allowing opponents to shoot 56% from inside the arc.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Hey there, Planeteers, we are back and dove into the two play-in games for the Phoenix Suns that helped them secure the eight seed. We also looked into the matchup against OKC, but mainly discussed our appreciation for this team and some of its players who have really shone. We hope you are as excited as we are about having at least four more games of Suns basketball to break down!
In an alternate universe, the first round NBA playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets would be a star-studded affair, pitting some of the best in the game in an all-out slugfest. In reality, it now looks more like a triage center with most of the stars sidelined with injuries.
Late-season dings to hamstrings, obliques, and knees mean the opening salvo out west could be without Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and the previously healthy Kevin Durant (questionable). That's potentially three stars watching Game 1 from the sidelines.
For the Lakers, that means being severely depleted in a series that now rests on the shoulders of the man who wears the crown. LeBron James (41) has been beating Father Time with Reaves and Doncic on the shelf, going 23 points and 9.2 assists over the last five games, helping the Lakers close out the season with three consecutive wins.
Here is what to know about the Lakers' injuries as they enter the series vs Houston:
Luka Doncic injury update
The Lakers have a huge hole in the lineup without Doncic, losing the 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game he was averaging.
Suffering a hamstring injury on April 2, the Lakers have merely stated that the star is out indefinitely, not committing to whether the 27-year-old might return later in the first round.
Reaves was injured in the same April 2 blowout loss to the Thunder that Doncic was, suffering a Grade 2 left oblique muscle strain.
As noted above, Reaves shares the same outlook as his LA counterpart. He is out indefinitely and will not suit up for Game 1.
Kevin Durant injury update
The Rockets are not without their own maladies, albeit none as severe as LA's injuries. Kevin Durant was banged up a bit in practice this week. Now he is officially questionable for Game 1 after sustaining a right knee contusion.
LeBron James stats
It goes without saying that the Lakers absolutely need James to play a significant amount for the series, but we will say it anyway.
Over the last four games, the team has gone 3-1 with its two stars out. In that time, James has averaged 26.8 points per game and the team enjoys a +/- of 20 when he is on the court. When he is off, that drops to -7.
Not many are giving the Lakers a shot this series. But whether the underdog is to pull off an upset will be determined by whether LeBron can continue to conjure his vintage form.
Our NBA player prop projections are locked in for tonight’s Game 1 showdown between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers, with the model highlighting several high-value spots across the board.
By breaking down the data and comparing it to current market lines, we’ve pinpointed where the strongest edges appear.
If you’re building out your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Saturday, April 18.
Rockets vs Lakers computer picks for April 18
Rockets
Lakers
Durant o24.5 points -110
James u25.5 points -115
Thompson o5.5 assists +110
Ayton u7.5 rebounds +100
Sengun u9.5 rebounds -130
Hachimura o1.5 3-pointers -150
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Rockets computer picks
Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points (-110)
Projection: 26.09 points
Kevin Durant has continued to defy Father Time all season, and with another playoff run underway for the Houston Rockets, he looks more than ready to elevate his game once again.
He’s cleared this 23.5-point line in eight of his last 10 games, showing consistent scoring form at a high level.
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Amen Thompson Over 5.5 assists (+110)
Projection: 5.5 assists
Amen Thompson has quietly settled into a steady facilitation role, clearing this 5.5 assists line in six of his last 10 games by consistently making the right reads within Houston’s offense.
He also benefits from Houston’s pace and athleticism, which naturally increases possessions and transition chances. If the Rockets push tempo and attack early in the shot clock, Thompson should find plenty of chances to rack up easy assists in semi-transition and broken-floor sets.
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Alperen Sengun Under 9.5 rebounds (-130)
Projection: 8.4 rebounds
The Rockets rank best in the league this season with 15.0 offensive rebounds per game, but Alperen Sengun could still find himself on the lower end of the rebounding line tonight.
He’s gone Under this 9.5-rebound mark in seven of his last 10 games, making it a tougher spot to trust him to consistently clear the number.
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Lakers computer picks
LeBron James Under 25.5 points (-115)
Projection: 22.7 points
Opposing starting power forwards have struggled from beyond the arc against the Houston Rockets this season, shooting just 21.7% from three—the lowest mark in the NBA.
That sets up as a difficult matchup for LeBron James, who will be forced to carry a heavier offensive load in order to clear this points prop tonight.
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Deandre Ayton Under 7.5 rebounds (+100)
Projection: 6.9 rebounds
The Los Angeles Lakers rank as the second-worst offensive rebounding team in the NBA this season, and Deandre Ayton hasn’t been much of a factor on the glass lately.
He’s gone under this 8.5-rebound line in seven of his last 10 games, making it tough to trust him to consistently hit the Over.
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Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 3-pointers (-150)
Projection: 1.9 3-pointers
The Lakers have been elite from beyond the arc at home, knocking down 39.0% of their three-point attempts—third-best in the league over their last 25 games.
This matchup against Houston further boosts that outlook. When the Rockets are on the road, opposing starting small forwards have averaged the third-most made threes in the league (2.4 per game), putting Rui Hachimura in a strong position to capitalize and clear this Over.
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How to watch Rockets vs Lakers today
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC, TSN4
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TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 24: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball against Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during second half action at Scotiabank Arena on November 24, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to begin the playoffs on the right foot as they take on the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of the first round.
Share your thoughts as the game unfolds. If you aren’t a member of the community, sign up so you can talk to your fellow Cavalier fans and make your voice heard!
CLEVELAND (AP) — Toronto point guard Immanuel Quickley will miss Game 1 of the Raptors' Eastern Conference first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday because of a mild right hamstring strain.
Quickley suffered the injury during the Raptors' regular-season finale against Brooklyn. The five-year veteran averaged 16.4 points, a career-high 5.9 assists and 4.0 rebounds in 70 games. He has scored at least 20 points in 20 games and recorded eight double-doubles.
Coach Darko Rajakovic said Quickley was making progress and didn't rule him out for Game 2 on Monday. Quickley also missed eight games from March 23 to April 5 because of plantar fasciitis in his right foot.
Jamal Shead is expected to start in Quickley's place. Shead, who is in his second season, started 12 games and is averaging 6.6 points and 5.4 assists per game.
Cleveland has ruled out Thomas Bryant because of a left calf strain.
The market is heavily backing the Houston Rockets here, giving them over an 80% chance to win. That’s a big number, which tells you how much respect the Rockets are getting right now.
Our prediction:Lakers to win
The Rockets are Game 1 road chalk, but if the Los Angeles Lakers are going to win at least one game in this series, it’ll be the opener.
LeBron James is fresh with a home-court edge, while the Rockets’ youngsters could shrink a little on the postseason stage. It wouldn’t shock me if L.A. comes out swinging Saturday.
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More Rockets vs Lakers prediction markets
You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for Rockets vs. Lakers at Kalshi; you also have options to trade on the spread, total, and more, among other NBA odds markets.
You can buy either side of a market — for example, "Yes" on the Lakers +5.5 spread means the Lakers will cover, while "No" means the Rockets will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using theCovers odds converter).
Rockets vs Lakers spread and total at prediction markets
Outcome
Yes
No
Lakers +5.5
48¢ (+100)
53¢ (-113)
Over 207.5 points
53¢ (-113)
48¢ (+100)
Our predictions:Lakers +5.5 — Yes and Over 207.5 points — Yes
The Lakers should cover because their half-court efficiency and ability to get to the free-throw line put constant pressure on a young Rockets defense that still struggles with discipline late in games.
The total should go Over 207.5 because both teams push pace more than people realize, and Houston’s improving offense combined with the Lakers’ transition scoring creates enough possessions to clear a modest number.
Other Rockets vs Lakers prediction markets available
LeBron James 25+ points (Yes: 57¢)
Alperen Sengun 6+ assists (Yes: 46¢)
Deandre Ayton 8+ rebounds (Yes: 56¢)
What is Kalshi and how does it work?
Kalshi is a federally regulated U.S. exchange where you trade directly on the outcome of real-world future events. Instead of traditional bets, you trade "Event Contracts" which are simple Yes/No questions like "Will the Lakers win tonight?" These events are priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and the prices reflect the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring. For instance, $0.55 equals a 55% chance. If your prediction is correct, the contract pays out exactly $1.00; if not, it settles at $0. Kalshi is essentially a stock market for reality.
How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?
In a sportsbook, you bet against the bookmaker, who sets fixed odds and takes a "vig," which is a kind of commission. On Kalshi, you trade against other users. This peer-to-peer model means prices are driven by supply and demand, often resulting in fairer odds. Additionally, because these are financial derivatives, you can exit your position early. If your team takes a 14-point lead, the contract price will rise, allowing you to sell your "Yes" shares for a profit before the final whistle even blows.
Why should I wager on Rockets vs Lakers at Kalshi?
Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:
Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.
Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.
Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.
Availability: Kalshi is available in 49 states (excluding Nevada) and D.C., including many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.
The Los Angeles Lakers open the 2026 NBA Playoffs on Saturday night against the Houston Rockets, but the series comes with an uphill battle for Los Angeles. The Lakers will have to navigate it without NBA scoring champion Luka Doncic, who is sidelined with an injury.
The injury occurred on April 2 in a regular-season loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Doncic exited the game in the third quarter in visible pain. An MRI the following day confirmed a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, which ruled him out for the rest of the regular season. Before going down, Doncic was playing some of the best basketball of his career, leading the league with 33.5 points per game while averaging 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game.
Head coach JJ Redick confirmed on April 14 that both Doncic and Reaves are out indefinitely, offering no timeline on their return.
“They’re out indefinitely,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “I’m not going to have an update for you this week.”
The team has said they have no expectation of either player being back at any point in the first round, though they have not completely ruled out the possibility if the series stretches to six or seven games.
Doncic is officially out for Game 1 (hamstring). Head coach JJ Redick addressed the injury earlier in the week but did not give too much information, merely stating on Doncic and Austin Reaves (oblique), "They’re out indefinitely,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “I’m not going to have an update for you this week.”
How to watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets Game 1
Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan weren’t just two of the biggest stars in the NBA in the 1990s, they were also teammates on the Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics and close friends who happened to love golf.
But Barkley’s criticism over a decade ago of Jordan’s then-role as owner and head of basketball operations of the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) damaged that relationship.
Now, they appear to have mended fences — and golf will once again be involved.
Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan had once fallen out over criticism’s the broadcaster made of the Chicago Bulls legend. Getty Images
The problems started in 2012, when Barkley said on ESPN Chicago’s Waddle & Silvy show that “the biggest problem has been I don’t know if [Jordan] has hired enough people around him who he will listen to. One thing about being famous is the people around you, you pay all their bills, so they very rarely disagree with you because they want you to pick up the check… I don’t think Michael has hired enough people around him who will disagree.”
Barkley added at the time: “I love Michael, but he has not done a good job.”
Jordan, not surprisingly, did not appreciate those comments and in 2020, Barkley noted their relationship hadn’t recovered.
“The guy was like a brother to me for, shoot, 20-something years,” Barkley said six years ago. “And I do… I feel sadness. But to me, he’s still the greatest basketball player ever. I wish him nothing but the best. But there’s nothing I can do about it, brother.”
Until now, apparently.
Speaking on Chris Russo’s Mad Dog Unleashed on SiriusXM on Friday, Barkley said the two have started talking again and will hit the links after the NBA season is over.
“We had a conversation,” Barkley said. “We’re going to get together and play golf as soon as basketball is over.”
As Russo said to Barkley, “Charles, that’s a big story because he was mad at you!”
“We’re not like Prince William and Prince Harry.”
The long feud is over. Charles Barkley tells @MadDogUnleashed that him and Michael Jordan are speaking again and they are playing golf when the NBA season ends. pic.twitter.com/YnAxcM5CYl
Jordan and Barkley will soon get together for a game of golf. AP
But Barkley insisted the issues weren’t that deep.
“We’re not like Prince William and Prince Harry,” said Barkley, who is on “Inside the NBA” on ESPN, while Jordan is a minority owner with the Hornets, whose season ended Friday night in a play-in loss to the Orlando Magic. “We always had a lot of love for each other. But we talked, actually, in the last probably 72 hours. We decided to get together and play golf as soon as basketball is over.”
The New York Knicks begin their playoff run tonight at Madison Square Garden as the Atlanta Hawks visit the Big Apple for Game 1 of their first-round series.
We break down Kalshi’s win probability markets and deliver some Hawksvs. Knicks predictions to help guide your NBA picks for Saturday, April 18.
Although Atlanta prevailed 111-99 in the last head-to-head meeting at MSG, oddsmakers are trading the Knicks at 68% (-212) to prevail this time around.
Our prediction:Atlanta to win
The Hawks have been hot since the break, and their lethal combination of strong defense and a barrage of three-pointers gives them a puncher’s chance to emerge victorious and complete the upset at Madison Square Garden.
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More Hawks vs Knicks prediction markets
You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for Hawks vs. Knicks at Kalshi; you also have options to trade on the spread, total, and more, among other NBA odds markets.
You can buy either side of a market — for example, "Yes" on the Knicks -6.5 spread means the Knicks will cover, while "No" means the Hawks will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using theCovers odds converter).
Hawks vs Knicks spread and total at prediction markets
Outcome
Yes
No
Knicks -6.5
48¢ (+108)
53¢ (-113)
Over 216.5 points
54¢ (-117)
47¢ (+113)
Our predictions:Knicks -6.5 — No
After the All-Star break, Atlanta owned the seventh-best offensive rating (119.8), second-best defensive rating (109.5), and third-best net rating (10.3).
Given the team’s recent success and advantage from the perimeter, take the Hawks to cover a modest spread on the road.
Other Hawks vs Knicks prediction markets available
Jalen Brunson 25+ points (Yes: 65¢)
CJ McCollum 4+ assists (Yes: 54¢)
Jalen Johnson 11+ rebounds (Yes: 49¢)
What is Kalshi and how does it work?
Kalshi is a federally regulated U.S. exchange where you trade directly on the outcome of real-world future events. Instead of traditional bets, you trade "Event Contracts," which are simple Yes/No questions like "Will the Knicks win today?" These events are priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and the prices reflect the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring. For instance, $0.55 equals a 55% chance. If your prediction is correct, the contract pays out exactly $1.00; if not, it settles at $0. Kalshi is essentially a stock market for reality.
How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?
In a sportsbook, you bet against the bookmaker, who sets fixed odds and takes a "vig," which is a kind of commission. On Kalshi, you trade against other users. This peer-to-peer model means prices are driven by supply and demand, often resulting in fairer odds. Additionally, because these are financial derivatives, you can exit your position early. If your team takes a 14-point lead, the contract price will rise, allowing you to sell your "Yes" shares for a profit before the final whistle even blows.
Why should I wager on Hawks vs Knicks at Kalshi?
Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:
Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.
Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.
Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.
Availability: Kalshi is available in 49 states (excluding Nevada) and D.C., including many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.
The defending NBA champions open as the top seed in the Western Conference for the third straight year when the Oklahoma City Thunder hosts the Phoenix Suns in the opening game of the first round of the playoffs today.
With a quirky offense and thorn-in-the-side defenders like Dillon Brooks, Phoenix could cause headaches for the defending champs.
However, my Suns vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks call for OKC to solve the puzzle and roll to a solid cover.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
Suns vs Thunder prediction
Who will win Suns vs Thunder Game 1?
Thunder: The Oklahoma City Thunder has played four first-round games against the 8-seed at home over the last two postseasons. They've never allowed 100 points and have won by an average margin of 116.8-90.8.
Suns vs Thunder best bet: Thunder -13 (-110)
The Oklahoma City Thunder had the best defensive rating in the NBA and allowed the second-fewest points, despite not playing at an exceedingly slow pace. The Thunder essentially took the last week of the regular season off, benching 10 rotation players.
That means a team that struggled with injury all year has had 11 days of rest.
Prior to the season-ending shutdown, OKC was clicking. The Thunder had won seven straight, going 5-2 ATS before their skeleton crew dropped the last two regular-season contests.
The Phoenix Suns were the last team to make the field, beating Golden State on Friday in the play-in tournament. Phoenix won two of five against OKC this season, going 3-2 ATS, including going 2-1 ATS in Oklahoma City.
However, one of those games was the regular-season finale, where both teams rested their starters and key bench players. There's a good chance some of the players who participated in that Suns win will even suit up for this series.
The Suns' fluid, pass-intensive offense is something the Thunder didn't see every day, and Phoenix had a top-10 defense. OKC has done well against the Suns' D this season, however, averaging 125 points in the four games where starters played.
That's six points above their season average and 14 more than Phoenix allowed. They also held the Suns to 106 points, more than a half-dozen below Phoenix's average.
Suns vs Thunder same-game parlay
OKC ranked 16th in the NBA in pace this season. Phoenix won't be trying to speed things up—it ranked 24th in pace. Last season, the Thunder turned up the defensive pressure in the postseason.
Scoring dropped by eight combined points per game in the first-round series and seven points per game in the Thunder's entire playoff run.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been an MVP performer against the Suns this season. He averaged 30 points per game and hit half of his three-point attempts. He also hit 51% of his two-point shots, an area where the Suns were weak this season, allowing opponents to shoot .556 on the inside.
Suns vs Thunder SGP
Thunder -13
Under 215.5 points
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 29.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Dishing and Swishing!
SGA has also dished out 7.3 assists per game against the Suns this season. He had 33 assists in four April games. Getting plus odds on a 6.5 assist cutoff seems like a gift.
Jalen Green was blazing hot during the play-in games, scoring 35 and 36 and hitting eight treys against the Warriors. Getting plus odds on him also seems out of whack.
Isaiah Hartenstein averaged 9.2 rebounds this season and averaged 10.3 in games when he played at least 20 minutes.
Suns vs Thunder SGP
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 29.5 points
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 6.5 assists
Jalen Green Over 2.5 made threes
Isaiah Hartenstein Over 8.5 rebounds
Suns vs Thunder odds for Game 1
Spread: Suns +13 | Thunder -13
Moneyline: Suns +561 | Thunder -800
Over/Under: Over 215.5 | Under 215.5
Suns vs Thunder betting trend to know
The Oklahoma City Thunder have hit the Team Total Under in 17 of their last 24 games at home (+9.05 Units / 33% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Thunder.
How to watch Suns vs Thunder Game 1
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Tip-off
3:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Suns vs Thunder latest injuries
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The best-of-seven series could come down to who isn't going to be on the floor, instead of who is actually playing.
The Lakers are expected to be without Luka Doncic, who suffered a hamstring injury late in the season, and Austin Reaves (oblique) at least for Game 1, set to tip off April 18 in Los Angeles.
The Rockets have their own injury concerns, as forward Kevin Durant showed up on the injury report this week, with a knee injury.
Durant, who played the second-most minutes in the NBA regular season, and is only 15 points short of 5,000 for his playoff career, sustained the injury in practice.
Kevin Durant injury status
The Rockets say that the 37-year-old Durant is officially questionable after sustaining a right knee contusion this week in practice.
Houston reportedly isn't concerned about the injury, and Durant (26 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game), who played in 78 games this season.
After a third consecutive NBA play-in tournament appearance ended in elimination on Friday night, what went wrong for the Warriors?
Following Golden State’s 111-96 loss to the Phoenix Suns, coach Steve Kerr pinpointed the moment this season that the Warriors went from hopeful NBA title contenders to fighting just to clinch the Western Conference’s No. 10 seed.
“I felt like we didn’t find it early in the season; we were blowing some games that we should have closed out, and I could have done a better job,” Kerr told reporters at Mortgage Matchup Center. “But when Jimmy [Butler] got hurt, it felt like we were finding it. And so I think that injury just derailed us.
“When you look at the rest of the West, you look at the league, teams are loaded. There’s so much talent and so much skill, and to lose one of the best players in the in the game in Jimmy, it can’t do anything but take you off course.”
The Warriors entered the 2025-26 NBA season eager to enjoy a full season of Butler after acquiring the forward before the trade deadline in February 2025. After a slow start this season, Golden State began to click and put together a three-game win streak before playing Butler’s former team, the Miami Heat, on Jan. 19.
The Warriors went on to win the game and improved to 25-19. But missing Butler, coupled with Steph Curry’s extended injury absence, was too much for Golden State to overcome as they finished the campaign 37-45 with another play-in berth.
Butler’s injury not only impacts this season, but next season, too — as does Moses Moody’s season-ending patellar tendon tear. Both injuries require extensive, grueling rehabilitation, and both players are beloved by their Warriors teammates.
“Moses, he’s developed so well, and he’s such a great young guy, and it was heartbreaking to see him go down,” Kerr continued. “So two injuries that not only affect this year, but next year. That’s pretty rough.”
After years as an NBA dynasty, the Warriors have had to develop an attitude of resiliency during a roller-coaster season. For now, they’ll regroup in the offseason and look forward to the day they’re whole again.
Editor’s note: part 1 of this Knicks series preview can be found here.
The key matchups: Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Let’s look on the Hawks’ side of things, starting with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who averaged 28 points per game on 51% from the field, 45% from three on 11 attempts, and 84% from the line on over four attempts per game in the three-game season series. The incredible three-point shooting from Alexander-Walker was key to his success in the matchup, hitting five threes a game. These came in a variety of manners; all instrumental for Alexander-Walker’s success, and the Hawks need him to repeat his regular season numbers if they’re to have a chance to win this series.
Some of these threes I don’t anticipate repeating; there were a number of threes where the Knicks lose track of Alexander-Walker and allow him open shots that you have to imagine won’t be allowed to repeat in the playoffs. This three-pointer is one such example:
Alexander-Walker — and the Hawks — excel at creating turnovers and pushing in transition, with Alexander-Walker’s threes coming as he bursts to get to his spot on the perimeter.
A New York miss is pulled down by Jalen Johnson, and Alexander-Walker is already busting a gut to sprint ahead of the play. Johnson delivers the outlet to him, and despite the contest of OG Anunoby, Alexander-Walker hits the three:
Off of another miss at the rim, Alexander-Walker is the furthest Hawk forward, and after initially stepping inside, Alexander-Walker backs out and hits a tough corner three with the defense draped all over him:
Following a Knicks turnover, the Hawks are in less of a hurry to bring the ball up, but when Johnson draws a crowd, Alexander-Walker is in the corner and he hits another tough three:
Alexander-Walker is also unafraid to push the ball toward the rim in these fastbreak situations, as he does late in the game as he procures a crucial steal on Brunson and scores at the rim following the goaltend to give the Hawks a late lead:
Off of a bad pass resulting in a Knick turnover, Alexander-Walker is again the first player forward, bursting ahead and when he receives the ball he finishes at the rim with the dunk:
Looking at some of Alexander-Walker’s offense in the half-court against the Knicks, who made some great drives and finishes at the rim, such as this drive off the Okongwu screen and lifting the layup high off of glass with his left-hand:
Another fun new elements from the last game of the regular season matchup saw a bit of Dyson Daniels/Alexander-Walker screening action, with Josh Hart punished for his momentary lapse as Daniels delivers the ball and screen for Alexander-Walker to rise into the three:
When the Hawks run the same play in the second half, Brunson is undone by the Daniels screen, and Towns isn’t able to step up high enough to contest Alexander-Walker, who hits another three:
This play will likely be one the Hawks try to go to more, but the issues on the New York side I think speak to the other aspect I expect the Knicks to change from the regular season to the playoffs: Jalen Brunson guarding Alexander-Walker.
Often, Alexander-Walker’s height advantage meant he could just shoot over Brunson, who did well to contest some of these shots:
Starting off the ball, if Brunson ends up behind the play, Alexander-Walker is going to have no hesitation to rise into the shot, and if Brunson isn’t immediately there to contest, Alexander-Walker is just shooting over him:
On both ends of the ball, Alexander-Walker is an extremely important player, and since Johnson’s declining interest in defense, Alexander-Walker is the team’s best two-way player — there is a huge amount riding on his shoulders on both ends of the floor, and he was brilliant this season and the season series. However, I worry he may not be able to replicate his regular season success against the Knicks in the postseason than he did in the three regular season games.
I’d be surprised if Brunson is guarding Alexander-Walker again given his success, I suspect Hart or Bridges may be used to guard him, with Brunson/Hart guarding CJ McCollum/Daniels, and Anunoby guarding Jalen Johnson. Whoever the Knicks elect to guard him, I think that’s immediately going to make Alexander-Walker’s life more difficult. Additionally, teams tend to take care of the ball more, and I worry for the Hawks and Alexander-Walker that if the Knicks limit their turnovers — or the Hawks are unable to create steals/turnovers as they did — that a vital supply of offense may be cut off.
Another concern would be that Alexander-Walker hit some really tough shots ,and while it’s entirely possible he could carry that into the postseason series, I would be hugely impressed if he can repeat 45% shooting from three on 11 attempts per game.
The offensive success of Alexander-Walker is crucial if the Hawks are going to have a chance to advance: he has to, essentially, average what he did in the three-game regular season series against the Knicks — that is a lot of pressure, and pressure for a player who this is his first postseason appearance with this much offensive responsibility. If Alexander-Walker has a difficult series, there’s no chance for the Hawks to win this series — it’s as simple as that.
The key matchups: Jalen Johnson
Now the leading figure for the Atlanta Hawks, this series marks the first postseason appearance for Jalen Johnson as such a figure with the team. However, he didn’t have a standout season-series against the Knicks in terms of his scoring, averaging 19.7 points per game on 45% shooting from the field, 45% from three on 3.7 attempts, 10 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game. Good counting stats, and while the Hawks absolutely need Johnson to rack up similar assist numbers, they need an increase in his scoring output if the Hawks are to advance: he’s got to average closer to 25 points or above.
What Johnson did well in the season series was finish in the paint/at the rim, both in full court and halfcourt scenarios.
Using the screen from Daniels, Johnson drives into the lane, rises, and hits the runner in traffic:
As Johnson brings the ball up the floor, Daniels comes to set a screen and slips back inside; the confusion between Brunson and Anunoby allows Johnson to drive inside and finish at the rim with authority:
Above the break, Johnson sees options for screens from both Daniels and Alexander-Walker, and off of the Alexander-Walker screen, Johnson drives on Anunoby, steps through the lane and gets his defender off his feet for an easier basket deep in the lane:
In transition, Johnson receives the ball and immediately knows he can attack the backpedalling defense, on which he has a physical advantage, one which he uses to finish at the rim:
When Johnson receives the ball, he’s quick to immediately pounce into action, seeking the gap between the defense, absorbing contact, and finishes over Anunoby:
Johnson did a good job exploiting mismatches, of which he was able to find multiple during this season-series, and he does so on Hart here on the drive, and absorbs the additional contact to finish at the rim:
Just as Brunson and Towns excelled in the paint for the Knicks in their respective matchups, so too does Johnson, and the Hawks will absolutely need his ability to put pressure on the rim, finish in the halfcourt and transition, and what it opens for himself and his teammates.
On that note, we should look at how Johnson finds his teammates in this matchup. We’ve actually already looked at many Johnson assists already when looking at Alexander-Walker, both in the open court off of misses and in half-court scenarios. What interesting when looking at the footage was how much cutting/slipping action would happen and how Johnson would find those cutters/pick-and-roll slips.
On the sideline action with Zaccharie Risacher, Johnson finds Risacher slipping to the basket, and he finishes with the dunk:
After Daniels sets the screen for Johnson, he drifts towards the rim and with Johnson drawing the double, he does a great job finding Daniels for the finish at the rim:
This time, Daniels is on the weakside corner as Johnson and Okongwu run a slip screen on the strong-side. Daniels cuts, and as Johnson swings around he spots and finds Daniels for the basket at the rim:
As Johnson draws a second body on the drive, Alexander-Walker makes a cut off the ball, and Johnson delivers the pass for the assist as Alexander-Walker finishes at the rim:
This last clip isn’t necessarily a cut, but I just wanted to include it. Johnson is harassed on the perimeter, and he still find some way to drive inside and find Daniels with the shovel pass at the rim:
If Johnson is able to find an uptick in his made threes, it’d be a huge boost for the Hawks in this series and Johnson’s production. He shot very efficiently in this series when he did shoot but just didn’t hit many threes. Johnson’s offensive contribution will be heavy, even if he doesn’t lead the team in scoring. What he offers the Hawks in terms of his rebounding, his ability to put pressure on the rim on drives, and his ability to find his teammates either off of drives, cuts, or the extra body the Knicks throw at him asks, arguably, more of him than any other Hawk in this series.
This series would also be a great time for Johnson to re-engage defensively and harken back to his defense before his offensive emergence. He has to show better defensive effort, and he may be an important piece in the help defense on Towns behind Okongwu.
The key matchups: Onyeka Okongwu
While we’re on the subject of Okongwu, his role in this series is — while not at the forefront compared to Alexander-Walker and Johnson — immensely important.
Okongwu enjoyed a great regular season series, averaging 22 points per game on 51% shooting from the field, 47.8% from three on over seven attempts, 10 rebounds, three offensive rebounds, 1.3 steals, and a block per game. These averages are very high compared to his regular season stats, and if the Hawks are to make an upset happen in this spot, they’ll need Okongwu to produce similar numbers. So, how did he do it?
The three-point success is the most important aspect for Okongwu in this series — it opens up everything for him. Okongwu got a lot of looks at open threes, especially in trailing situations.
As Johnson brings up the ball, Okongwu follows his path, and when Johnson offloads the ball to Okongwu, he pulls up and hits the three above the break:
Okongwu may also be found in pick-and-pop scenarios, and while it’s the departed Trae Young delivering Okongwu the assist on a pick-and-pop three, this drive and assist could come from anyone (Johnson, Daniels, McCollum, or Alexander-Walker):
The matchup with Mitchell Robinson could be interesting for Okongwu on the offensive end, as Robinson may be more reluctant to chase Okongwu out to the three-point line, leading to an easier opportunity from three here:
This last clip may be especially pertinent in this series, and it’s related to offensive rebounding. Dyson Daniels misses an open corner three, but Okongwu is on hand to collect the offensive rebound and score:
What Okongwu gave the Hawks in the regular season series was hugely impressive for the Hawks, great production and great efficiency. While I’m unsure if Okongwu will replicate his 45% shooting from three on seven attempts per game, I think he’s certainly going to see the opportunities to do so. The Knicks will have to focus on Alexander-Walker, Johnson, and probably even CJ McCollum and Dyson Daniels before focusing on Okongwu — I think he’s the player the Knicks will probably live with having big offensive nights at the expense of allowing those nights from Johnson or Alexander-Walker (Dyson Daniels would be the other player in this bracket). However, as Okongwu showed, he can absolutely take advantage of open opportunities and could work himself into opportunities near the rim — that hook shot is one the Hawks need Okongwu to be hitting inside.
However, as desirable as it is for Okongwu to have those scoring performances, it’ll have to be all hands on deck on the defensive end. We’ve discussed at length already how much of a task he has guarding Towns, and the mammoth task he has to be the main player to limit the Knicks offensive rebounding — especially in the absence of Jock Landale — and that threat comes in both Towns and Mitchell Robinson (where Landale’s absence is really felt). Okongwu’s performance on both sides of the ball will be one of the determining factors in this series, and I feel that warrants him as a focus in key matchups as opposed to just an ‘x-factor.’
X-factors: Atlanta
This next section will look at x-factors in this series: players who have important roles to play in this series but perhaps less so than those already mentioned.
Dyson Daniels
Daniels’ main contribution will be on the defensive end, and he has a very difficult prospect in that regard — as we’ve looked at — with Jalen Brunson. Despite Brunson’s averages, Daniels did a good job contesting shots and preventing penetration as much as possible — at some point, the Hawks will hope that those tough shots Brunson has made in this season series will begin to rattle out. Daniels will also be crucial in creating extra possessions for the Hawks, especially in a postseason setting, with any steals he can produce.
Offensively, Daniels is likely to be the player the Knicks will try and hide their worst defender, or to simply leave him open from behind the arc. This will undoubtedly happen at some stage, and how Daniels fares either shooting the three or attacking the space afforded to him will be important.
The stats suggest that Daniels has turned a corner of sorts shooting the three, shooting 40% on 1.9 attempts in his last 13 games of the regular season. A low sample, but an enormous improvement from what had transpired before from behind the arc. Daniels hitting those open threes wouldn’t swing the series but would be an enormous help to the Hawks. It would also allow Daniels to do what he does best offensively: drive, spin, and either get to his floater or create for his teammates. Daniels cutting off the ball could be a good source of points on a few possessions.
Daniels averaged 11 points per game on 51% shooting from the field, 20% from three, 8.7 rebounds, over three offensive, rebounds, 6.7 assists, and two steals — these seem like very replicable stats across the board in this series from Daniels, with potential for improvement in scoring and three-point shooting (even if marginally).
Daniels being a player the Knicks can’t just leave wide open would be a big help in this series, and he is an x-factor in this series for all the reasons outlined above.
CJ McCollum
An in-season addition, McCollum only featured in one game in this series, scoring 17 points on 19 shots, shooting 37.5% from three, along with six assists. McCollum showed his quality in shot-making and clutch plays at various stages with the Hawks down the stretch. When it comes down to any close game in this series, the ball is very likely to be in his hands. McCollum has shown that this can be a good thing, but the reliance on McCollum in these situations is concerning, especially when considering that Brunson will be the Knicks’ counterpart handling the ball down the stretch.
Let’s call a stone a stone: McCollum has been good, and he’s fit in well, but there’s a gap in quality between McCollum and Brunson in both shot making, ball-handling, and clutch shot-making. It concerns me that the Hawks have to rely as much as they do on McCollum for offensive initiation — McCollum needs to have a really good series in this regard, making his closer shots, and his perimeter shots. A good series from McCollum wouldn’t define the series but would be one aspect that could help tip the scales.
The Atlanta bench, led by Jonathan Kuminga
One of the biggest concerns for me in this series is the Hawks’ bench production. As a note, there is less reliance in the playoffs on bench depth in terms of number of personnel who play; this makes those who do play extremely important. From the Hawks’ side of things, they’re already missing Jock Landale’s size — this is a big blow. Whether it’s Tony Bradley or Mo Gueye, there is a lot of pressure to attempt to help with the defensive rebounding. Both would play small roles offensively, but Gueye’s ability to run the floor, and perhaps make some cuts from the weakside could help for a couple of possessions.
Outside of the bigs, the playoffs are a venture into the unknown for Corey Kispert, while Gabe Vincent has some prior experience of the postseason — both will be needed in short bursts to hit the shots that they find themselves with. Neither Kispert or Vincent, nor Gueye or Bradley, are likely to provide big offensive numbers off the bench. This is where Jonathan Kuminga becomes an extremely important player for the Hawks.
Kuminga will, surely, be the sixth man coming off the bench and he absolutely has to be the one who leads the scoring effort for the bench. If Kuminga struggles to make an impact off the bench, the Hawks are unlikely to see a ton of bench points come their way. This reliance on Kuminga’s scoring production off the bench is enough to concern me in a playoff series. Yes, Kuminga can come in and contribute to the scoring, but he’s just as likely to produce a dud off the bench and take bad shots in the process; this is something the Hawks cannot afford. It’s a worry that, in the face of this unpredictability, the Hawks are so reliant on those minutes Kuminga plays to score efficiently.
X-factors: New York
Mitchell Robinson
We won’t’ spend long here as much has been said about Mitchell already. Robinson’s biggest contribution to this series will be his offensive rebounding. It feels like a certainty that he’s going to have a big impact in this series and he’s going to provide the Hawks with a lot of headaches on the offensive glass. The question is just how many headaches is he going to give the Hawks?
Possessions become so much more valuable in the playoffs, and offensive rebounds can suck the life out of the opposing team — Robinson can provide so much life to the Knicks through these offensive rebounds. With Okongwu likely to be tied up with Towns, which means the Hawks are going to have to help Okongwu when it comes to fighting for rebounds. Such is the force of Robinson, even if Towns is off the floor and Okongwu is still on and guarding Robinson, help would still be required.
Limiting Robinson and the Knicks’ offensive rebounding is absolutely key to the Hawks having any chance to win this series.
Mikal Bridges
Mikal Bridges is an odd case. He has been the player that the Hawks would assign Trae Young to guard, and the Knicks never looked to exploit this obviously exploitable matchup. Bridges can be such a bystander offensively for the Knicks, and I wonder how the Knicks will deploy him offensively in this series. When Bridges scores 20 or more points, the Knicks are 8-8, so if he does have a good night offensively it doesn’t necessarily mean the Knicks are more likely to win, but with Towns and Brunson likely to excel in this series it certainly won’t help the Hawks to have that consistent third scorer.
Getting Bridges going offensively would certainly help them in the series but is not required for the Knicks to advance. To add, Bridges averaged just 26% shooting the three in the season series, a far shout from his season average of 37%. It speaks to what we discussed earlier that the Knicks are more than likely to shoot better from three in the postseason against the Hawks than they did in the regular season series.
Defensively, I expect Bridges to have an impact in this series, and I expect that the Knicks will look to see how he fares defensively with Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
OG Anunoby
Anunoby has a tough task defensively with Jalen Johnson, who he struggled to contain on drives at times during the season series. Anunoby averaged 18.7 points per game against the Hawks this season, and his scoring output would absolutely help the Knicks, especially if Bridges isn’t hitting his shots. Make no mistake though, Anunoby’s priority will be his defensive duties, arguably the Knicks’ strongest defender and will be kept very busy between Johnson, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him switched onto Alexander-Walker at times, too.
In closing: choosing a winner
I’m going to borrow somewhat from my contribution to the Peachtree Hoops’ roundtable when asking this question. When looking at all these factors, when looking at the results of the regular season matchup and what swung the season series, I ask this question: What is likely to carry over to the playoffs? When I look at this from both sides, I just see so much more from the Knicks’ side which is more likely to carry over.
Let me try lay it out from both sides what I think is/isn’t likely to carry over — and what would concern me in general — starting with the Hawks.
I like the Hawks’ ability to limit their turnovers to translate to the playoffs, but I worry about their ability to create turnovers in the playoffs compared to the regular season. This may limit the Hawks’ ability to get out in transition off of turnovers, though, they can still do this off of missed shots. Jalen Johnson is excellent at finding players in these scenarios, as is Nickeil Alexander-Walker in bursting ahead to provide an option for Johnson, or Daniels, too.
I’m not concerned about Johnson’s ability to score inside nor his ability to draw the defense and make the right pass to his cutting teammates. I’m more concerned about Alexander-Walker sustaining his regular-season average of 28 points per game and 45% from three on 11 attempts. The Knicks could certainly do a much better job defending and guarding Alexander-Walker, and I think they’ll go in a different direction than Brunson in a playoff series. If Alexander-Walker is limited in this series, the Hawks’ chance to win is greatly diminished.
I think Okongwu is going to see some of those open looks that we looked at from three, but I’m not sure if he’s going to shoot nearly 48% from three in this series. In short, there’s a number of Hawks who averaged 45% or more from three in the regular season series that I’m not sure will carry over.
The Hawks’ reliance on McCollum as an initiator of clutch offense down the stretch, and general reliance on Jonathan Kuminga to efficiently score as the sixth man concerns me, and while the Knicks don’t have a super bench themselves, Josh Hart is likely to be a much more effective bench player than anyone else in this series. If Dyson Daniels has regained a touch, of sorts, from three it would be very helpful, but this is not something that can be confidently relied on. If Daniels becomes a non-factor on offense, that’s another concern for the Hawks.
Elsewhere, the Hawks don’t have homecourt advantage in this spot and while no members of the team that defeated the Knicks in 2021 are with the team anymore, the Knicks’ crowd has absolutely not forgotten that loss and this series will be personal for them, even now that Young is gone. The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden will be electric, and this Hawks group has no playoff experience together; how much that matters or doesn’t matter’ will be a huge test for this squad.
“We can’t let the crowd dictate the game too much for us,” said Okongwu of the ‘MSG’ crowd.
From the Knicks’ side, Towns’ superiority in the regular season matchup is absolutely something that can be replicated in the playoffs — there is no good counter for his combination of size, strength (despite his tendency to fall over a lot), speed, and shooting ability. If he gets into foul trouble, the Hawks may have a window in the game, but relying on this to happen four times in the series may not be realistic. So, I think his production is extremely likely to carry over.
The same I think applies to Brunson. While he could miss some of those contested shots he hit over Dyson Daniels, his ability to get by his man and get into the lane and get to his floater or pull-up is almost unstoppable — the Hawks had no answer for it.
And the fact Brunson can penetrate so easily without the aid of a screen is really concerning — a lot of pressure on Daniels to stay in front, and Brunson is able to create space with spins and step-backs. If anything, Brunson could eclipse what he averaged in regular season — his three-point shooting is better than his displays against the Hawks this season, and that would be reason to worry if those threes begin to fall. The same could be said of the Knicks as a whole, who are likely to shoot higher than 29.7% from three, and that’s another aspect to be concerned with.
Then, there’s the offensive rebounding. The Hawks have no good answer for this, either, and I don’t know how the Hawks keep Towns and Robinson off the offensive glass. Those second chance points were something the Knicks were wasteful with in the regular season; the Hawks did very well at times to defend the second action — can that carry through over a seven-game series? I’m not sure, I think the Knicks are likely to perform better than they did in the regular season series against Atlanta.
In 2021, the Knicks swept the regular-season series 3-0 and most of the national media chose the Knicks to advance. Upon looking at the season-series in more detail, I felt confident that the Hawks could absolutely win that series because I was sure several aspects from the regular season would not repeat in the postseason. This time, however, I think there’s too much to overlook when looking at this matchup, and I think most of it points to New York advancing.
The Hawks themselves believe they can advance against any side, so long as they play to their strengths
“We believe we can go toe-to-toe with anybody in the NBA when we play at our best,” said Onyeka Okongwu. “It showed last week, and we’re ready for another test now.”
“We’ll grow to be favorites at some point,” added CJ McCollum. “Whether that’s this playoffs or in years to come.”
It’s easy to say the first two games of this series ‘shouldn’t count’ given the roster differences, but that’s not how the Hawks entirely feel about it.
“I think both teams will watch, as part of your preparation, try to find things that happened in that games, some of them less applicable than others,” said Quin Snyder. “As much as anything, we have tremendous respect for their team and what they’ve done in the course of the season. For us, we’re much a different team the third time we played them than previously, but we can’t discount the other games because we’ve got a few guys on that team too.”
“They’re a really sound team, I think that’s where they hang their hat” added Nickeil Alexander-Walker when asked what they can take from the regular season series. “Everyone plays to their strengths. They’ve been together for so long, that ties in with their chemistry, building that rapport, the physicality they play with. They have guys who take pride in changing the game. It’s imperative that they we pay attention to the details of the series. They got their stars, they got their guys who are gritty and play in the mud, so to speak. We’re not the team that’s feeding into the game they want to play. In the two games we played them, both times, especially at State Farm — and that one time they had guys out at Madison Square Garden — so it’s harder to compare…”
The series begins in New York on Saturday, and no matter what happens, in a few weeks the series will be over. When the dust settles, whatever the result is — whether the Hawks are eliminated or advance — the pertinent question remains: should they have allowed themselves to fall to the six-seed and into this situation in the first place?
If the Hawks fall to the Knicks, that decision will be obviously questioned. If the Hawks win, they’re likely to face the Celtics in the second round — the Eastern Conference favorites — and that will be questioned, too, when the Hawks could have potentially been facing a similarly untested Detroit Pistons, against whom you have to wonder if the Hawks may fancy their chances more against than the Celtics? No matter the outcome of this series, it will all lead back to their decision when facing the Miami Heat on the final day of the 2025-26 regular season.
Many, many questions linger but, very soon, the Atlanta Hawks will begin to discover the answers as they make their return to the NBA Playoffs.
Rockets
Lakers
