Playoff Preview
The New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks will begin their playoff battle tomorrow night at 7:30 pm EST at Madison Square Garden. These two teams are very familiar with one another and the Knicks own the season series 3-0. Let’s break down the upcoming matchup of the fourth and fifth seed position by position and determine who has the edge.
Playoff Preview: Point Guard Matchup
The Knicks currently have a motley crew of point guards that they plan on bringing to the table. Their starting point guard Elfrid Payton historically has matched up poorly against Hawks starting point guard Trae Young. Young brings a litany of weapons on the offensive end which make him incredibly difficult to guard. Payton as of late has been ineffective and seen his role diminished in favor of Sixth Man of the Year candidate Derrick Rose. Rose has blossomed under coach Thibodeau and shown that after fighting back from numerous injuries, he still can be effective on the floor, even when playing a copious number of minutes. Overall, the Hawks have the edge at point even if coach Thibodeau decides to start Rose over Payton. Edge: Atlanta.
Playoff Preview: Shooting Guard Matchup
The matchup at shooting guard is going to be a key element in this playoff series. The New York Knicks bring former journeyman Reggie Bullock to the floor and Atlanta brings three-point sniper Bogdan Bogdanovic. Bullock, who has become something of a three-point sniper himself, hitting the three at a 40 percent clip this year will be tasked with defending Bogdanovic, who is shooting the three-ball at a clip of 43 percent. Bullock, known for his defensive prowess, will have a tough task in taking on the savvy scorer who has no problem putting up points in a hurry. If Bullock can match Bogdanovic shot for shot the Knicks should be able to keep this matchup close. Edge: Even
Playoff Preview: Small Forward Matchup
Small forward will be an intriguing matchup of two neophytes. RJ Barrett has taken a quantum leap this year. He’s shown he has the potential to be the second star New York needs to remain relevant in the east. Defensive juggernaut De’Andre Hunter is coming off a knee injury and may still be on a minutes restriction. Furthermore, if healthy, Hunter gives Atlanta someone who can defend four positions and create his own shot. If Barrett shows the assertiveness he’s shown down the stretch, hit the three the way he has, this matchup will be New York’s. Edge: New York
Playoff Preview: Power Forward Matchup
The Knicks’ best weapon is at power forward in the form of Most Improved Player of the Year candidate Julius Randle. Sporting averages of 24.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, and 6.0 APG, Randle comes into this series after a career year and will no doubt look to build on it with a strong playoff performance. John Collins, not known for his defensive abilities, had a down year on the offensive side of the ball. He also struggled with an ankle injury this year that caused him to miss nine consecutive games. Nevertheless, if Collins is 100 percent and if not, Atlanta will have to look elsewhere for help defending Randle. Edge: New York
Playoff Preview: Center Matchup
The Knicks bring Nerlens “The Wall” Noel, a fan favorite known for his defensive prowess in the paint and shot-blocking against Atlanta’s Clint Capela. This matchup will be a difficult one for New York as Capela has shown throughout the season that he owns all of New York’s centers. Capela, known for his athleticism and rebounding, has been a key cog in Atlanta’s playbook. Noel will do everything he can to stay in front of Capela, albeit this playoff matchup may be too much for him. Edge: Atlanta
Coaching
Coaching will undoubtedly be a major part of this series. Knicks’ coach Tom Thibodeau has led New York from cellar dwellers to contenders in the Eastern Conference. The team’s turnaround has been brought on by an insurmountable effort to buy into playing grind it out hard-nosed defense. Can Thibodeau get his team to turn up the defense to another level? That’s going to be key going forward. Nate McMillian took over as interim head coach after the Hawks fired Lloyd Pierce on March 1, 2021. Since McMillian took over, he led the Hawks to a 26-11 and brought them to the fifth seed after an abysmal start. Edge: New York
Bench & Intangibles
Both teams have solid veterans and young guns who can shape this series. New York will feature Immanuel Quickley, Derrick Rose, and Alec Burks in the backcourt and Obi Toppin and Taj Gibson up front. This unit will be crucial for the Knicks. Quickley, who has been a proficient three-point shooter all year will be called upon. Toppin has shown signs of improving while playing alongside Derrick Rose. Burks, who has been clutch in the fourth quarter will continue to play significant minutes. Gibson, known for his defense may be called upon to help with Clint Capela. The Hawks bench led by former Knick Danilo Gallinari will look to push the tempo. Lou Williams and Kevin Huerter will look to push the pace in the backcourt. Williams is known for creating his own shot can be tough to guard when he gets going, Huerter, another three-point shooter, can be lethal at times. Edge: New York
Prediction
In considering all the matchups and all the intangibles my prediction is New York will take out Atlanta in six games. I feel New York’s defense will prove to be too much for Atlanta and they will move on to the second round of the playoffs.
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