Knicks Prepare to Face Hawks in Crucial Eastern Conference Clash

NEW YORK, NY — The New York Knicks (35-18) will host the Atlanta Hawks (26-28) at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, as both teams gear up for an important matchup in the Eastern Conference.

The Knicks, currently third in the conference, are coming off a solid 128-115 victory over the Indiana Pacers, marking their third win in five games. Josh Hart was a standout, scoring 30 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while Julius Randle posted a double-double with 40 points and 12 rebounds. Despite the offensive success, the Knicks are looking to address some defensive inconsistencies, particularly with the absence of forward OG Anunoby, who is set to return from injury.

“We need to tighten up our defense a bit, especially with the All-Star break coming up,” Brunson said. “We can’t afford to be complacent.”

The Hawks enter this contest on a three-game winning streak following a thrilling 112-106 victory against the Orlando Magic. While Trae Young contributed 19 points, Caris LeVert supported the effort with 18 points off the bench. The Hawks are averaging 123 points in their last three road games but will be without key players Jalen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter due to injuries and trades.

“We’ve had some ups and downs, but our team is really starting to find its rhythm,” Young said. “We’re excited about this game against a strong opponent.”

The teams have met three times this season, with the Hawks winning two of those contests. The average total points scored in these matchups is 225, but this game could see a higher total due to both teams’ recent scoring trends.

As they prepare for this critical matchup, the Knicks are looking to maintain their dominance at home while the Hawks aim to build momentum heading into the All-Star break. The game will air at 7:30 PM ET on MSG Network.