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Jalen Brunson reacts during a game as the New York Knicks await their first-round opponent following a revealing injury report from the Atlanta Hawks.

The New York Knicks may have just gotten a clue about their first-round opponent — and it came from the Atlanta Hawks’ final injury report.

With playoff seeding still at stake against the Miami Heat, Atlanta listed multiple key players as out, a move that could shape the Eastern Conference bracket and determine who New York faces to open the postseason.

According to the official NBA injury report, Atlanta listed several core contributors as out, including Jalen Johnson (rest), CJ McCollum (rest) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (toe), among others. The move effectively signals a strategic approach to the postseason — one that could influence the team’s first-round opponent.

Onyeka Okongwu (finger), Dyson Daniels (toe) and Jonathan Kuminga (knee injury management) are also out.

At the same time, the Knicks are taking a similar approach.

New York ruled out several core players for its regular-season finale against the Charlotte Hornets, including Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson, signaling a shared priority on rest and health entering the postseason.

Knicks’ First-Round Opponent Hinges on Final Day

While the Knicks’ seeding is locked in, their matchup is not.

Sunday’s results will determine whether New York faces Atlanta or Toronto in the opening round, adding intrigue to games that would otherwise carry limited meaning for a team already locked into position.

Atlanta’s decision, in particular, could play a direct role in shaping that outcome.

A Hawks loss could drop them to the No. 6 seed, setting up a first-round series against the Knicks. A win, however, would likely keep them at No. 5 and send them into a matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Knicks’ Potential Matchups Present Different Paths

Among the possible opponents, the Toronto Raptors may represent the most favorable matchup for New York.

The Knicks have dominated the recent head-to-head, winning 13 consecutive meetings against Toronto, including a convincing 112-95 victory on Friday. That sustained success highlights a clear stylistic advantage, with New York consistently able to control tempo and impose its physical defense.

A potential matchup with the Hawks presents a different challenge.

The Knicks went 2-1 against Atlanta this season, but the margin has been razor-thin. Both of New York’s wins came by just three points, while the Hawks earned a 111-99 victory at Madison Square Garden. The competitive nature of those games — combined with Atlanta’s pace-and-space attack — suggests a much tighter series if that matchup materializes.

Knicks Building Momentum at Right Time

GettyKarl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks talk during a free throw by a teammate in the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden.

New York enters the playoffs on a high note, winning its last five games while showing promising signs of chemistry between its two primary stars.

The developing two-man game between Brunson and Towns has emerged as a focal point, giving the Knicks a reliable offensive foundation heading into the postseason.

Under head coach Mike Brown, the Knicks have also established themselves as one of the most composed teams in late-game situations, posting the fewest clutch losses in the Eastern Conference.

That combination of execution and star power has positioned New York as a legitimate contender as it looks to reach its first NBA Finals since the 1998-99 season.

Hawks’ Strategy Raises Questions

GettyJalen Brunson of the New York Knicks ldrives against Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks.

Atlanta’s decision to rest multiple key contributors has drawn attention, particularly given its potential impact on playoff seeding.

The Hawks enter the postseason as one of the league’s hottest teams, going 20-5 down the stretch behind the emergence of Jalen Johnson and the scoring rise of Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

Their late-season surge helped secure the Southeast Division title, but their final positioning could ultimately shape the path for both teams.

Bigger Picture for Knicks

For the Knicks, the focus remains on preparation rather than preference.

Still, the contrast between a dominant history against Toronto and a tightly contested season series with Atlanta underscores how different their first-round path could look.

With the bracket set to be finalized Sunday, New York will soon learn whether it faces a familiar advantage — or a far more competitive challenge — to open the playoffs.