The Knicks, the Hawks, and the Eastern Conference's Most Dangerous First-Round Series

The New York Knicks enter the 2026 NBA Playoffs with legitimate conference finals aspirations. But first, they have to get past an Atlanta Hawks team that has been surging at exactly the wrong time for New York.

Jalen Brunson has established himself as one of the most reliable postseason performers in the Eastern Conference. His ability to create offense in the half court, manage pace, and deliver in clutch moments gives the Knicks a baseline of competence that most teams would envy. New York's depth and defensive identity have been their calling cards all season.

But the Hawks present a unique problem. Atlanta's offensive firepower can overwhelm opponents in short stretches, and their ability to match New York's physicality has improved throughout the season. The Hawks aren't just happy to be here — they believe they can win.

This is the type of first-round series that separates contenders from pretenders. The Knicks can't afford to sleepwalk through the early rounds the way some higher seeds have in recent years. A slow start against a confident Atlanta team could create the kind of momentum shift that's nearly impossible to reverse.

Elsewhere in the East, the Toronto Raptors will try to find an opening against the Cleveland Cavaliers after surging to the fifth seed on the final day of the regular season. And the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics both enter the bracket with legitimate title aspirations of their own.

The Eastern Conference playoff picture is as deep and dangerous as it's been in years. Every series matters, and every game could be the one that tips the balance.

The Eastern Conference playoff picture is as deep and dangerous as it's been in years.