Hawks Look to Regain Momentum Against Knicks Amid Injury Concerns

Atlanta, GA — The Atlanta Hawks are set to host the New York Knicks in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup on Saturday, April 5. With the postseason approaching, both teams must navigate injuries and strive for playoff positioning just ahead of the play-in tournament.

The Hawks, currently at 36-40, are in a tight race for a playoff spot, primarily competing for a home-court advantage in the 7-8 play-in game. On the other hand, the Knicks (49-27) are comfortably positioned as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.

As both teams gear up, the presence of Hawks guard Trae Young is under scrutiny. Young, who was initially listed as probable due to lingering Achilles soreness, has now been upgraded to available and will start for Atlanta. He has been a pivotal player for the Hawks, averaging 24.1 points and 11.6 assists per game. His decision to take the court could heavily influence the game’s outcome.

“It’s good for me to get some game reps before we go into the stretch run,” Young stated. “We need every game now to solidify our spot.”

Despite Young’s return, the Hawks are facing challenges with their depth. With injuries sidelining key players and a recent slump resulting in four losses in five games, consistency has become a concern. The Hawks will need strong performances from their bench to secure a win against a defensively adept Knicks team.

Meanwhile, the Knicks will be without their All-Star guard, Jalen Brunson, who continues to recover from an ankle injury. He has missed multiple games and was downgraded from questionable to out for this matchup. Without Brunson, the Knicks will lean on their remaining starters, including Julius Randle and RJ Barrett.

“Missing Jalen is tough. We are doing our best to adjust and keep us competitive,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said.

The current standings reveal a competitive edge for both teams, with the Hawks contending to advance from the play-in while the Knicks look to maintain home-court advantage during the playoffs. Atlanta currently sits ahead of the Chicago Bulls and aims to minimize turnovers and enhance their offensive efficiency.

Analytics show that the Hawks rank 5th in the league for points per game but struggle defensively, allowing opponents to score heavily. Likewise, the Knicks rank in the top tier for defensive efficiency, posing a threat to Young’s offensive contributions.

The matchup is set for a 7:30 PM ET start at the State Farm Arena, promising a high-stakes atmosphere as both teams vie for a critical win as the regular season nears conclusion.

With the stakes high and both teams facing injury setbacks, fans can expect an intense game with significant playoff implications on the line.