Knicks and Hawks Set for NBA Playoff Clash

See the full schedule for the first-round matchup between the two Eastern Conference rivals.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:17am

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An abstract, cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, geometric shapes in the colors of the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks, capturing the energy and intensity of their upcoming playoff series.The Knicks and Hawks renew their heated playoff rivalry, with their first-round matchup set to deliver high-intensity, fast-paced basketball action.NYC Today

The New York Knicks have clinched a playoff berth for the fourth consecutive season and fifth time in the last six years, setting up a first-round matchup with the Atlanta Hawks. The two Eastern Conference rivals will face off in a best-of-seven series, with the full schedule of dates, times, and TV channels now available.

Why it matters

The Knicks-Hawks playoff series is a highly anticipated matchup between two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Both squads have built strong rosters and are looking to make deep postseason runs, adding extra excitement and drama to their head-to-head clash.

The details

The Knicks and Hawks will tip off their first-round playoff series on Saturday, April 19. The full schedule is as follows: Game 1: Saturday, April 19 at 3:00 PM ET (TV: ESPN) Game 2: Monday, April 21 at 7:30 PM ET (TV: TNT) Game 3: Thursday, April 24 at 8:00 PM ET (TV: NBA TV) Game 4: Sunday, April 27 at 1:00 PM ET (TV: ABC) Game 5*: Tuesday, April 29 at TBD (TV: TBD) Game 6*: Thursday, May 1 at TBD (TV: TBD) Game 7*: Saturday, May 3 at TBD (TV: TBD) *If necessary

  • The Knicks-Hawks playoff series begins on Saturday, April 19.
  • Game 2 is scheduled for Monday, April 21.
  • Game 3 will take place on Thursday, April 24.
  • Game 4 is set for Sunday, April 27.

The players

New York Knicks

A professional basketball team based in New York City that competes in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Atlanta Hawks

A professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia that also competes in the Eastern Conference of the NBA.

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What they’re saying

“This is going to be a great series between two talented teams. The Knicks and Hawks have built up a nice rivalry over the past few years, and I expect this playoff matchup to be highly competitive.”

— Reggie Miller, NBA Analyst

What’s next

The winner of the Knicks-Hawks series will advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals to face the victor of the Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat first-round matchup.

The takeaway

The Knicks and Hawks have established themselves as two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, setting the stage for an exciting first-round playoff clash between the longtime rivals. Fans can look forward to a hard-fought, high-intensity series as both squads vie for a spot in the next round of the NBA playoffs.