Hawks vs Knicks Playoff Opener Odds Favor Knicks at Home

Prediction markets see Knicks as heavy favorites, but Hawks have been hot since the break

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:27pm

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A fragmented, multi-angled painting in blue, orange, and white tones, depicting the action and movement of a basketball game in an abstract, cubist style.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes playoff clash between the Hawks and Knicks, capturing the intensity and energy of the game through a fractured, geometric lens.Atlanta Today

The New York Knicks host the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of their first-round NBA playoff series, with the Knicks listed as 68% favorites on the Kalshi prediction market platform. However, the Hawks have been one of the league's hottest teams since the All-Star break, boasting a strong defense and potent 3-point shooting that could give them a chance to pull off the road upset.

Why it matters

This opening-round playoff matchup between the Knicks and Hawks features two teams heading in opposite directions. The Knicks are the higher seed and home team, but the Hawks have been surging lately and could be a dangerous underdog. The outcome of this series could set the tone for the rest of the Knicks' postseason run.

The details

According to the Kalshi prediction market, the Knicks are 68% favorites (-212 odds) to win Game 1 at home, while the Hawks are listed at 34% (+194). However, the Hawks have been one of the NBA's best teams since the All-Star break, posting the league's second-best defensive rating and third-best net rating over that stretch. Their combination of stifling defense and 3-point shooting could give them a chance to pull off the road upset in Game 1.

  • The Hawks vs. Knicks Game 1 playoff matchup tips off on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks are the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, led by a talented roster that has surged since the All-Star break.

New York Knicks

The Knicks are the No. 2 seed in the East and are hosting Game 1 at Madison Square Garden as heavy favorites according to prediction markets.

CJ McCollum

The Hawks' star guard who has been a key part of their second-half turnaround.

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What they’re saying

“Atlanta has been one of the league's hottest teams 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.”

— Zak Hanshew, Covers.com Contributor

What’s next

The winner of this series will advance to face the winner of the Bucks vs. Raptors first-round matchup in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The takeaway

This opening-round playoff clash between the Knicks and Hawks features an intriguing clash of styles, with the home-court Knicks favored but the surging Hawks possessing the defensive chops and 3-point shooting to potentially pull off the upset. The outcome could set the tone for the rest of the Knicks' postseason run.