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One of the NBA's most notable playoff rivalries in recent history is back in action this year, with the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks locked in to face off in the first round of the playoffs.
Despite Trae Young's departure from Atlanta this season, Knicks fans still have a sour taste in their mouths from the 2021 Playoffs. Despite being the No. 4 seed, the Knicks were upset in five games by Young's Hawks. Chants against him from New York fans are bound to come up during the series.
Leaving the past in the past now, New York won 53 games this season. Despite this being the first time the Knicks have won 50+ games in three straight seasons since 1991-92 to 1993-94, the New York faithful wanted more out of this season. Many fans were seething for a top-2 seed in the East after the Boston Celtics were without star Jayson Tatum for a large portion of the season. However, Boston finished above the Knicks, and now Tatum is back.
Heading into the series, the Knicks won two of the three regular-season games against the Hawks this year, including a recent nailbiter in Atlanta. The Hawks' offense scores at a higher rate than the Knicks, averaging 118.5 points per game (6th in NBA) compared to New York's 116.7 (10th in NBA). Where New York gains the edge is in three-point shooting and their defense. This season, the Knicks shot a fourth-best 37.3% from beyond the arc, with Atlanta right behind them at 37.1%. On the defensive side, the Knicks give up a lot of three-pointers (36.2% opponent 3P%), but have the fourth-lowest points per game against them (110.1).
If Atlanta can shoot as well as they did with Young a few years ago, they could have enough in the tank to upset the Knicks once more. They have already proven to play them well during the season, losing by only three points in both defeats. If not, however, and New York's stars can score without many problems, maybe Knicks fans will feel a larger sense of satisfaction after finally downing the Hawks in the postseason.
Here's what you need to know to watch Knicks vs. Hawks, including broadcast information and start times.
Knicks vs. Hawks schedule
| April 18 | Game 1: Knicks 113, Hawks 102 | — | — |
| April 20 | Game 2 at Knicks | 8 p.m. | NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV |
| April 23 | Game 3 at Hawks | 7 p.m. | Prime Video |
| April 25 | Game 4 at Hawks | 6 p.m. | NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV |
| April 28 | Game 5* at Knicks | TBA | TBD |
| April 30 | Game 6* at Hawks | TBA | TBD |
| May 2 | Game 7* at Knicks | TBA | TBD |
* If necessary
Where to watch Knicks vs. Hawks: TV channel, live stream
- TV channels: NBC
- Live streams: DIRECTV | Peacock | Prime Video
The Knicks vs. Hawks series will air across multiple platforms thanks to the NBA's expanded broadcast deal, which will see games split among NBC, Peacock, and Prime Video.
Games on NBC can be streamed live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users.
Fans can also turn to the streaming homes for each broadcast partner — Prime Video or Peacock — for games on those platforms.
NBA Playoffs bracket 2026
Click here for the updated 2026 NBA Playoffs bracket from The Sporting News.
NBA Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2025
Here are the key dates to know for the NBA Playoffs and offseason.
| Play-In Tournament | April 14-17 |
| First round begins | April 18 |
| Conference semifinals begin | May 4* |
| NBA Draft Lottery | May 10 |
| Eastern Conference finals begin | May 19* |
| Western Conference finals begin | May 20* |
| NBA Finals begin | June 3 |
| NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 19 |
| NBA Draft | June 23-24 |
* Can move up depending on earlier series
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