Knicks Edge Hawks in Close Contest at State Farm Arena
Saturday, December 27, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · State Farm Arena
New York Knicks 128, Atlanta Hawks 125, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks?
New York Knicks beat Atlanta Hawks 128-125 at State Farm Arena on December 27, 2025.
Who was favored in New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks?
New York Knicks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -225 (about 69% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the New York Knicks narrowly defeated the Atlanta Hawks 128-125 at State Farm Arena. This victory extends the Knicks' lead in the season series to 2-0, having previously won their earlier encounter 121-105 on April 5, 2025.
The Hawks have struggled recently, with a record of 2-8 over their last ten games, and they are currently on a five-game losing streak. In those recent games, the Hawks have averaged 119.9 points scored while allowing 128.7 points per game. Their last five games reflect a slight dip in scoring, averaging 121.6 points but allowing 132.6 points. In contrast, the Knicks have been in much better form, boasting an 8-2 record in their last ten games, with a scoring average of 120.8 points and allowing only 113.9 points per game. They are currently on a one-game winning streak after their recent victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
At home, the Hawks have struggled with a record of 1-6 in their last seven games, while their away record stands at 1-2. The Knicks, on the other hand, have performed well on the road with a 3-1 record in their last four away games. The Knicks' strong away form has contributed to their overall record of 22-9, while the Hawks sit at 15-18.
In terms of injuries, both teams are dealing with key players listed as day-to-day. For the Hawks, Mouhamed Gueye (foot), Keshon Gilbert (hip), and RayJ Dennis (Achilles) are uncertain for future games. The Knicks are also facing injury concerns with Mohamed Diawara (finger) and Jalen Brunson (wrist) listed as day-to-day.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Knicks favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 244.5 points for the game. The odds for the Knicks to win straight up were -225, while the Hawks were at +185.
The game featured several pivotal moments, particularly in the fourth quarter. Jalen Brunson made a crucial 26-foot three-point step-back jumper, pushing the Knicks' lead to 124-121. Trae Young responded with two free throws, narrowing the gap to 124-123. However, Nickeil Alexander-Walker then made a running layup to give the Hawks a brief lead at 125-124. OG Anunoby's free throws ultimately secured the victory for the Knicks, as he went 4 for 4 from the line in the closing moments.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, with the Knicks continuing their strong season while the Hawks seek to find their footing amidst a challenging stretch.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NY -5.5 | 244.5 o -115 / u -105 | New York Knicks -225 · Atlanta Hawks +185 |
Injury report
- Mouhamed GueyeDay-To-DayFootAtlanta Hawks
- Keshon GilbertDay-To-DayHipAtlanta Hawks
- RayJ DennisDay-To-DayAchillesAtlanta Hawks
- Mohamed DiawaraDay-To-DayFingerNew York Knicks
- Jalen BrunsonDay-To-DayWristNew York Knicks
Leaders
- PointsOnyeka Okongwu31Atlanta Hawks
- AssistsJalen Johnson12Atlanta Hawks
- ReboundsOnyeka Okongwu14Atlanta Hawks
- PointsKarl-Anthony Towns36New York Knicks
- AssistsMikal Bridges8New York Knicks
- ReboundsKarl-Anthony Towns15New York Knicks
Recent form
Atlanta Hawks
Last 10: 2-8Streak L5119.9 scored · 128.7 allowed per game1-6 at home
- L111-126vs Miami HeatDec 27
- L123-126vs Chicago BullsDec 24
- L150-152vs Chicago BullsDec 21
- L98-126vs San Antonio SpursDec 20
- L126-133at Charlotte HornetsDec 19
- W120-117vs Philadelphia 76ersDec 14
- L115-142at Detroit PistonsDec 13
- W131-116at Washington WizardsDec 7
- L133-134vs Denver NuggetsDec 6
- L92-115vs LA ClippersDec 4
New York Knicks
Last 10: 8-2Streak W1120.8 scored · 113.9 allowed per game3-1 away
- W126-124vs Cleveland CavaliersDec 25
- L104-115at Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 24
- W132-125vs Miami HeatDec 21
- L107-116vs Philadelphia 76ersDec 20
- W114-113at Indiana PacersDec 19
- W124-113vs San Antonio SpursDec 17
- W132-120at Orlando MagicDec 13
- W117-101at Toronto RaptorsDec 10
- W106-100vs Orlando MagicDec 7
- W146-112vs Utah JazzDec 6
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | - | 26 | W2 | .683 | 56 |
| New York | 3 | 29 | L1 | .646 | 53 |
| Toronto | 10 | 36 | W1 | .561 | 46 |
| Philadelphia | 11 | 37 | W2 | .549 | 45 |
| Brooklyn | 36 | 62 | L3 | .244 | 20 |
| Atlanta | - | 36 | L1 | .561 | 46 |
| Orlando | 1 | 37 | L1 | .549 | 45 |
| Charlotte | 2 | 38 | W1 | .537 | 44 |
| Miami | 3 | 39 | W2 | .524 | 43 |
| Washington | 29 | 65 | L10 | .207 | 17 |
Box score
| Stat | New York Knicks | Atlanta Hawks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 43-95 | 43-89 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 15-43 | 17-43 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 40 |
| Free throws | 27-32 | 22-27 |
| Free throw % | 84 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 55 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 19 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 36 | 28 |
| Assists | 27 | 33 |
| Steals | 9 | 6 |
| Blocks | 4 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 24 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 23 |
| Points in the paint | 52 | 50 |
| Fouls | 25 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 18 | 3 |
| Lead changes | 14 | 14 |
| Time in front | 83 | 11 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter96-89Onyeka Okongwu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter98-89Jalen Brunson makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter98-90Jalen Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-91Jalen Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter100-91Karl-Anthony Towns makes layup (OG Anunoby assists)
- 4th Quarter100-94Vit Krejci makes 26-foot three point jumper (Trae Young assists)
- 4th Quarter101-94OG Anunoby makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-94OG Anunoby makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-96Jalen Johnson makes 1-foot dunk (Onyeka Okongwu assists)
- 4th Quarter104-96Karl-Anthony Towns makes 1-foot floating jump shot (Mikal Bridges assists)
- 4th Quarter104-97Jalen Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-99Jalen Johnson makes running layup
- 4th Quarter105-99Karl-Anthony Towns makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-99Karl-Anthony Towns makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-99Karl-Anthony Towns makes 28-foot three point jumper (OG Anunoby assists)
- 4th Quarter109-102Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Jalen Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter112-102Karl-Anthony Towns makes 25-foot three point jumper (Mikal Bridges assists)
- 4th Quarter112-103Dyson Daniels makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-104Dyson Daniels makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-104Jalen Brunson makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Mitchell Robinson assists)
- 4th Quarter114-106Onyeka Okongwu makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot (Dyson Daniels assists)
- 4th Quarter114-108Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes running layup (Dyson Daniels assists)
- 4th Quarter114-111Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes 25-foot running jump shot (Jalen Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter114-112Trae Young makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-113Trae Young makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-113OG Anunoby makes driving layup (Tyler Kolek assists)
- 4th Quarter117-113OG Anunoby makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter117-116Onyeka Okongwu makes 25-foot three point jumper (Trae Young assists)
- 4th Quarter119-116Jalen Brunson makes 15-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter119-118Dyson Daniels makes alley oop layup (Jalen Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter119-121Onyeka Okongwu makes 25-foot three point jumper (Trae Young assists)
- 4th Quarter121-121Jalen Brunson makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter124-121Jalen Brunson makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter124-122Trae Young makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter124-123Trae Young makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter124-125Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes running layup
- 4th Quarter125-125OG Anunoby makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter126-125OG Anunoby makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter127-125OG Anunoby makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter128-125OG Anunoby makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Atlanta Hawks, below favours New York Knicks.
Venue
- State Farm ArenaAtlanta, GA
- Attendance17809
- OfficialsBrent Barnaky, Jacyn Goble, J.T. Orr
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