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TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks speaks to the media at Knicks Training Facility on September 23, 2025 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks have hit some notable highs and lows throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season.
Throughout the first few months, they established themselves as the in-season champs, winning the NBA Cup for the first time.
Ironically, they fell off shortly after.
Despite going through an absolute rough patch after hoisting the NBA Cup trophy, the Knicks have reminded the Eastern Conference that they are still one of the biggest threats to make an NBA title run this season.
Still, the former NBA veteran Chandler Parsons warns the Knicks that they are staring at a tough underdog if the standings remain where they are on March 24 come playoff time.
Jonathan Kuminga, Atlanta Hawks, Warriors
GettyJonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts with Dyson Daniels #5 during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at State Farm Arena on February 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if this team [Atlanta Hawks] advances. They are that good right now,” Parsons said on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back show. “I think that they can win their first-round series. That would be the New York Knicks.”
When the former Sixth Man of the Year winner, Lou Williams, suggests that the Hawks would need a New York villain on the Hawks to replace Trae Young these days, Parsons joked that the Washington Wizards guard should sit courtside for the series.
Do The Hawks Stand A Chance In New York?
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 14: Rick Brunson, Jalen Brunson #11, Allan Houston, and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Team Knicks pose for a photo after winning the Kia Shooting Stars during 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend at Intuit Dome on February 14, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
When the Knicks stopped a seven-year playoff drought in 2020-2021, they played an Atlanta Hawks team headlined by Young.
The Hawks put together one of the most shocking Eastern Conference Finals runs in recent memory, and it started by stunning the Knicks 4-1 in the first round.
The Knicks haven’t faced Atlanta in a playoff series since.
Heading into their March 24 game against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Knicks are the third seed in the Eastern Conference. They hold a 47-25 record, with six-straight wins in the bag.
One slip-up from the Boston Celtics could help the Knicks move into the second seed. But that wouldn’t avoid Atlanta entirely.
The Hawks have won nine of their last 10, going from Play-In territory to teasing a move into the fifth seed. The Hawks are just 0.5 games behind the Toronto Raptors.
The Eastern Conference’s playoff picture is far from settled in late March. A lot can change in the coming weeks, leaving the Knicks in the dark about their potential first-round opponent. The only factor that’s almost guaranteed is that they will earn home-court advantage in the opening round.
If it happens to be the Hawks, then the Knicks would face a team they are 1-1 against this year. In December, the Knicks defeated the Hawks for the fourth time in a row with a score of 128-125.
When the Knicks and the Hawks met in early January, the Hawks snapped the streak with a 111-99 win. The two teams will meet again on April 6 in Atlanta, Georgia. It could end up being a first-round preview.