NY's offensive identity has changed, as it no longer relies on offensive rebounding to score with Isaiah Hartenstein in OKC and Mitchell Robinson injured. The new Knicks rely on shot-making and jump shots, especially from the mid-range, although they lead the NBA in three-point percentage (41.4%), too. NY will attack ATL's dead-last perimeter defense (38.9%), with Karl-Anthony Towns (career 39.9 3PT%), Jalen Brunson (career 39.9 3PT%) and Mikal Bridges (career 37.5 3PT%) doing the most damage from beyond the arc. ATL is 27th in the league in defensive rating and allows the third-most ppg (121.9).

NY's defense ain't what it used to be in past seasons under Tom Thibodeau, ranking 27th in opponent FG%. The Knickerbockers allowed 62 points in the paint on Monday vs. Houston, as they were outrebounded 50-39. The Knicks allow the third-most three-point attempts per game — 45.9% of their opponents' shots are from long range — and their opponents are dominating them from inside the arc, too. NY is last in opponent 2PT% (61.2%) and 21st in points per game allowed in the paint (50.3).

The Hawks are down a few bodies but will take advantage of the Knicks' poor defense. They are tied for seventh in the league in points in the paint (52.0 per game) while ranking eighth in 2PT% (55.9%). They are also the second-fastest-paced team in the NBA, averaging 103.8 possessions per 48 minutes.