Knicks @ Hawks - Preview, Pick, Best Bets and a +271 Parlay

The Knicks visit Atlanta on Wednesday in what has become one of the league’s best new rivalries since Trae Young got under the skin of New Yorkers in the playoffs a few years ago. Young and his Hawks aren’t known for their defense and they gave up 144 points to the Hornets on Monday. Jalen Brunson could have a field day in this one. 

The Knicks are led by Brunson, who has scored at least 30 points in his last three games, and Julius Randle, who had his streak of scoring at least 20 (or 30) points broken at seven games after scoring just 18 points in Monday’s win over the Nets. Brunson has now scored 30 points in five of his last seven is averaging 32.5 points this month, while Randle checks in at 25.1 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.0 dimes for his seven February games. 

New acquisition Josh Hart got hot on Monday and hit 10-of-14 shots and four 3-pointers for 27 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, while starter RJ Barrett fell apart in that one, hitting just 2-of-8 shots for four points while also picking up five fouls. Barrett ran into the wall known as the Nets’ defense, as they’ve shut guys like Barrett, Randle, DeMar DeRozan and Tobias Harris down over the last three games. 

Fortunately for the Knicks, they shouldn’t have to worry too much about the opposition’s defense tonight, as the Hawks don’t play any. The Hawks gave up 144 points to the Hornets on Monday and in case you didn’t know, the Hornets are tanking for Victor Wembanyama and have won just 16 games this season, three of them coming against these Hawks. In other words, Barrett should bounce back tonight, Hart should continue to be a force off the bench, Brunson and Randle should be very active and we should see good things from Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes. Brunson’s over/under in points, rebounds and assists is set at 42.5 tonight and he’s easily beaten that in five of his last seven games. Randle has hit at least two 3-pointers in six of his last eight.

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As for the Hawks, it’s not all bad news, at least on offense. They nearly matched the Hornets with 138 points on Monday and De’Andre Hunter (probable tonight), Clint Capela, Trae Young (25 points, 14 assists) and Dejounte Murray all scored at least 20 points in the loss. Saddiq Bey got a start for John Collins (questionable tonight with a hip injury) and hit three 3-pointers for 12 points and five rebounds, and center Onyeka Okongwu and Bogdan Bogdanovic each hit double digits in scoring off the bench. 

The Knicks are a Top 10 team defensively so Atlanta won’t have it as easy tonight as they did on Monday, but it doesn’t really matter who Young and Murray are playing against right now. Young is averaging 24.7 points, 2.7 3-pointers and 12.8 assists this month, while Murray checks in at 19.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists, a steal and 2.3 3-pointers per game in February. 

Vegas shows the Hawks as a 3.5 point favorite at home tonight and they’ve won their last two games in Atlanta, beating the Spurs and Suns. The Knicks have won four of their last five games, including one in Philadelphia and one in Orlando, while also taking care of the Nets and Jazz in the Garden. 

Given the presence of Hart and the strong play of Brunson and Randle, along with the Hawks struggles on defense of late, we’re going against the odds and rolling with the Knicks and the points tonight. 

Pick: Knicks +3.5

Best Bet: Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points -106 at FanDuel

Same Game +271 Parlay

Leg 1: Jalen Brunson to score 25+ points

Leg 2: Dejounte Murray to record 6+ rebounds (he’s had at least six in five of his last nine)

Leg 3: Julius Randle to hit 2+ 3-pointers