Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks
History: This is the first time since 1989 that the Atlanta Hawks are playing on Christmas and marks their 21st appearance. They are 9-11 overall.
The New York Knicks last played in 2018, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks, and have the most Christmas Day appearances in the league, with this being their 54th appearance. They are 22-31, having the second-most wins and most losses.
The Hawks and Knicks could be the next budding rivalry in the NBA. They squared off in one of the more intriguing first-round matchups in the 2021 NBA Playoffs, which the Hawks won in five games.
Trae Young endeared himself to the New York crowd enough to become their newest public enemy in the same vein as Reggie Miller. He will not be in the lineup for this matchup, as he is in the league’s health and safety protocols.
Atlanta is rather shorthanded, so this is a game that the Knicks need to take advantage of. New York has struggled mightily on the defensive end of the court this season, but their job will be easier without playing against Young.
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The Knicks had Immanuel Quickley clear protocols, so he will be available to play on Christmas Day. Obi Toppin, RJ Barrett and Quentin Grimes also cleared protocols recently, so all could be in the lineup against the Hawks.
New York is entering a make-or-break part of their season, with their next 14 games against teams at or below the .500 mark. But, they cannot overlook a Hawks squad that still can cause some problems, led by John Collins.
