New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks: Betting odds and prediction

The New York Knicks are set to square off against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on Christmas Day but it doesn’t have quite the same magic to it as it did when it was first scheduled.

A rematch of last season’s first round of the playoffs, this was a widely anticipated game as it would be the return of Trae Young at Madison Square Garden.

Unfortunately for everyone, Trae Young, and a lot of other players are going to be missing this game due to COVID health and safety protocols

New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks betting odds

According to WynnBet, the New York Knicks are coming into this game as massive 7 point home favorites with the Hawks as 7 point road underdogs.

The Hawks Moneyline is set at +220 with the Knicks at -270.

The over/under for total points scored is set at 210.

As you can see, the Hawks are major underdogs because of their shorthanded roster.

They will be missing:

– Trae Young

– Clint Capela

– Kevin Huerter

– Lou Williams

– Danilo Gallinari

– Onyeka Okungwu

– Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot

– Sharife Cooper

– Wes Iwundu

The Knicks have just gotten a few players back from COVID protocols, including Quentin Grimes, RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, and Immanuel Quickley.

New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks prediction

The Knicks may be struggling, but this is a severely depleted Hawks team.

The Hawks remaining key players will be John Collins, Cam Reddish, and Bogdanovic, but it’s just not a lot of firepower.

The Knicks will be getting some of their big guns back.

I fully expect New York to win this game but it’s just hard to bet on the Knicks to cover the spread. They have played up and down to their opponent’s skill level all season long.

Mitchell Robinson should have a big game on the boards with Clint Capela available.

Expect the Hawks to try and continue to get scoring from Cam Reddish, who has had a strong few games.

This could get ugly at times, so look to hit the under as well.