Knicks vs. Hawks NBA Cup Quarterfinal Preview
When: 7:00pm et Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York
It’s been two years since Trae Young broke the hearts of Knicks fans in the 2021 playoffs. While none of the current Knicks roster were around for that first-round series loss to Atlanta, Young remains the face of the Hawks and the symbol of postseason frustration for New York faithful.
On Wednesday night, Young and the Hawks head to Madison Square Garden for what promises to be the most intense, postseason-like showdown of the NBA Cup knockout rounds.
The winner advances to Saturday’s semifinal in Las Vegas to face the victor of the Bucks-Magic matchup.
Knicks Momentum & Hawks Rest:
The Knicks enter this clash riding high after a 113-108 fourth-quarter comeback win over the Raptors on Monday. New York has been a model of consistency under head coach Tom Thibodeau, who has transformed the Knicks into a legitimate contender.
The team went a perfect 4-0 in East Group A play to earn its quarterfinal spot. Thibodeau’s no-nonsense approach has kept his players focused on winning, even if he downplays the NBA Cup’s significance publicly.
But make no mistake—the financial incentive is real. Players on losing quarterfinal teams pocket $51,497, while those on the championship squad take home a cool $514,971 each. Knicks leader Jalen Brunson made it clear: “I think there’s money involved, so I think there’s a lot of motivation regardless.”
Atlanta, meanwhile, had an extra day of rest after Sunday’s blowout loss to Denver (141-111). The Hawks clinched their East Group C spot with a thrilling 117-116 win over the Celtics and finished group play 3-1.
Despite their struggles against elite competition, the Hawks know they can rely on their star point guard to raise the stakes.
The Trae Young Factor:
Trae Young’s history with the Knicks—and the Garden—needs no introduction. He was public enemy No. 1 in 2021, shushing New York crowds and averaging 29.2 points and 9.8 assists in the five-game series. Knicks fans haven’t forgotten, and they’ve even taunted Young in Atlanta, where he led the Hawks to a 121-116 win over New York on November 6.
Young relishes the villain role. “I hope these New York fans find their way to the exit real, real quick,” he said after that win.
He’s backed up the trash talk, too—last Friday, Young delivered a masterclass against the Lakers with 30 points, 20 assists, and five 3-pointers, including the game-winning shot in overtime.
The Hawks may have faltered against Denver, but Young’s confidence and flair for the dramatic remain weapons that bettors cannot ignore. Expect him to be dialed in under the Garden’s bright lights.
Betting Insights:
Knicks’ Recent Form: New York’s fourth-quarter resilience and perfect group stage record make them a strong, disciplined team that thrives under pressure.
Rest Advantage: Atlanta is more rested, which could benefit their up-tempo offense early in the game.
Trae Young Props: Young has a proven track record of rising to the occasion against the Knicks. Consider the over on his points + assists line.
Madison Square Garden Edge: The crowd will fuel the Knicks, but Young’s ability to feed off hostility makes Atlanta a live underdog.
