The New York Knicks are in excellent form, boasting a strong 8-2 record in their last 10 games. Their recent Christmas Day victory, a remarkable comeback from a 17-point deficit against the Cavaliers (126-124), has significantly boosted their morale. The Knicks possess a potent offense, ranking 4th in the league with an average of 120.3 points per game. Their defense is also commendable, holding the 10th position with a defensive efficiency rating of 111.5, indicating a well-balanced team. The Atlanta Hawks, in stark contrast, are experiencing a period of struggle, currently on a five-game losing streak and managing only 2 wins in their last 10 games. Their recent home defeat against the Heat (111-126) highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities, conceding an average of 132.6 points in the last 5 games, placing them 20th in defensive efficiency with a rating of 116.8. While the Hawks average 118.6 points per game offensively, the return of Trae Young hasn't translated into wins; the Hawks have only a 2-7 record (22.2% win rate) in games Young has played. The New York Knicks-6.5