Ben Stiller Doubles Down on Knicks Playoff Series Prediction

The actor is confident the Knicks will beat the Hawks in 5 games

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:58pm

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the intensity and movement of an NBA playoff game, with no recognizable figures or text.Stiller's confident prediction adds to the electric atmosphere as the Knicks and Hawks battle in the NBA playoffs.Indianapolis Today

Ben Stiller, a die-hard Knicks fan, is doubling down on his prediction that the New York Knicks will beat the Atlanta Hawks in 5 games in their NBA playoff series. After the Knicks' Game 1 win, Stiller was seen on video mouthing 'five' in reference to his previous online post agreeing with another analyst's take that the Knicks would win the series in 5 games. Many Knicks fans are excited for the team's playoff run this season after they made it to the Eastern Conference Semifinals last year.

Why it matters

Ben Stiller's vocal support for the Knicks reflects the high expectations and enthusiasm among the team's fanbase heading into the playoffs. The Knicks' performance this postseason could have a big impact on the team's momentum and popularity going forward.

The details

In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference playoff series, the Knicks defeated the Hawks 113-102 at Madison Square Garden. After the game, video footage showed Stiller mouthing 'five' in reference to his previous online prediction that the Knicks would win the series in 5 games. Stiller had agreed with analyst Shaun Possible's take that the Knicks would defeat the Hawks in 5 games, adding a down arrow emoji in approval. Many Knicks fans are excited for the team's playoff run this season, hoping they can go even further than last year when they made it to the Eastern Conference Semifinals before losing to the Indiana Pacers.

  • The Knicks defeated the Hawks 113-102 in Game 1 on April 19, 2026.
  • The Knicks and Hawks will face off again in Game 2 on April 21, 2026 at Madison Square Garden.

The players

Ben Stiller

A well-known actor and die-hard New York Knicks fan who has publicly predicted the Knicks will defeat the Atlanta Hawks in 5 games in their NBA playoff series.

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' starting point guard who described the team's Game 1 win over the Hawks as a 'hard-fought' and 'physical' 'grind-it-out game'.

Shaun Possible

An analyst who predicted the Knicks would defeat the Hawks in 5 games, a prediction that Ben Stiller agreed with.

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What they’re saying

“It was a hard-fought win. It was physical. It was a grind-it-out game.”

— Jalen Brunson, Knicks Point Guard

What’s next

The Knicks and Hawks will face off again in Game 2 of their playoff series on April 21, 2026 at Madison Square Garden.

The takeaway

Ben Stiller's vocal support for the Knicks reflects the high expectations and enthusiasm among the team's fanbase heading into the playoffs. The Knicks' performance this postseason could have a big impact on the team's momentum and popularity going forward.