It only took three games into the 2026 NBA playoffs for the Knicks to enter must-win territory, and Saturday’s Game 4 matchup against Atlanta is exactly that.
Fresh off two consecutive one-point victories, C.J. McCollum and the Hawks have all the momentum.
The veteran guard is turning back the clock and Atlanta’s relentless athleticism and defensive effort have the Knicks on the ropes.
Now up 2-1, the Hawks are slightly favored at -130 to win the series at DraftKings Sportsbook, a huge shift from the opening odds.
The Knicks’ rally from an 18-point deficit fell short in Game 3, losing, 109-108. They became the first team in league history to lose by one point in regulation in back-to-back playoff games in the same season.
Questionable decisions down the stretch once again doomed Mike Brown and the Knicks in Game 3, yet they enter a crucial Game 4 as a slim 2.5-point favorite.
No loss is ever pretty, but to the Knicks’ credit, they clawed back and set themselves up in a winnable situation.
Jalen Brunson’s go-ahead layup with just over a minute left was countered by McCollum’s dagger jumper over Deuce McBride with 12.7 seconds remaining.
A key factor in the loss was, of course, Mikal Bridges’ continued offensive disappearance and another case of poor late-game execution, which led to no final shot attempt.
Though these two recent losses are considered inexcusable, the beauty of playoff basketball is that it’s the first team to secure four wins.
Despite cold shooting from the Villanova duo of Josh Hart and Bridges, OG Anunoby’s game-high 29 points were a bright spot, including the pair of clutch 3-pointers he sank late in Game 3.
Outside of Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, he’s been consistent on both ends of the floor for the Knicks, effectively making life difficult for Hawks’ star Jalen Johnson and providing much-needed offense.
The Hawks have had no answer for the versatile forward, and I am targeting his player prop combo of 21.5 points and rebounds.
In three games this series, he is averaging 20.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.7 3s made.
Expect his NBA Finals pedigree to shine through in this must-win playoff atmosphere.
The Play: OG Anunoby over 21.5 points + rebounds (-115, BetMGM Sportsbook)
Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.
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