New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks: Mikal Bridges Set to Shine at Madison Square Garden

First Quarter

As the New York Knicks prepare to face off against the Atlanta Hawks, fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling matchup. The Knicks have been showing impressive form lately, and with Mikal Bridges leading the charge, they are poised to make a strong start in the first quarter. Bridges' versatility as a guard-forward makes him a key player to watch, especially against the Hawks' defense. The betting lines suggest that the Knicks have a slight edge in this period, with their home-court advantage at Madison Square Garden playing a significant role.

Second Quarter

Moving into the second quarter, both teams will likely adjust their strategies based on early performances. The Hawks, known for their aggressive playstyle, might look to capitalize on any defensive lapses by the Knicks. However, with players like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns anchoring the defense for New York, Atlanta will need to bring their A-game. According to recent betting data, there's been a slight shift in favor of the Knicks due to their consistent performance in recent games.

Third Quarter

The third quarter often proves pivotal in determining who will win New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks. With match player stats indicating strong performances from both sides, this period could see intense back-and-forth action. Jordan Clarkson's ability to drive through defenses and create scoring opportunities could be crucial for the Knicks as they aim to maintain or extend their lead. Meanwhile, bettors are keeping an eye on how well the Dirty Birds can counteract these plays.

Fourth Quarter

As we enter the final quarter of this exciting matchup, all eyes will be on how each team handles pressure situations. The New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks total points line suggests a closely contested finish is expected. With Landry Shamet listed as day-to-day due to a shoulder injury, his potential absence might impact New York's rotation strategy late in the game. Nonetheless, with home support behind them and players like Mitchell Robinson ready to step up defensively, the Knicks remain favorites according to current odds.

In conclusion, this game promises an electrifying showdown between two competitive teams at Madison Square Garden on January 2nd at 7:30 PM EST. Fans can catch all the action live on FDSSE or MSG networks. Don't miss out—share this article with fellow basketball enthusiasts and join in on predicting who will emerge victorious!