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The Atlanta Hawks will host the New York Knicks for their 77th game of the season. The season is coming to an end, and both teams have playoff aspirations.
The Knicks will be comfortable for a week before the start of the playoffs as most likely the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. As for the Hawks, they will be in the play-in, doing their best to go as high as the No. 7 seed to host a game and secure the seventh seed in the East.
Still, with plenty of games left, a lot can change in the standings.
The Knicks will be looking for their 49th win of the season, while the Hawks will be looking for their 37th win.
However, the best players from their respective teams are on the injury report: Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and Hawks guard Tare Young.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Young is on the list with his lingering Achilles issue. Brunson is on the list with his ankle injury, for which he has almost missed a month of action.
While that is the case with Young, the Hawks have upgraded him from probable to available, and he will start for the Hawks.
Trae Young (Achilles) listed available to play Saturday.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) April 5, 2025
In 71 games (all starts), Young averages 24.1 points per game, 11.6 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals while shooting 40.8 percent from the field and 33.4 percent from three in 36.2 minutes of action.
Brunson entered this game as questionable. However, the Knicks will not let Brunson play in this matchup, which is the first set of a back-to-back. New York downgraded Brunson from questionable to out. He will miss his 16th game of the season.
Haynes: Jalen Brunson (ankle) ruled out Saturday, will play Sunday.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) April 5, 2025
Brunson has been making progress from his right ankle sprain and will return on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns.
New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson (ankle) will make his return Sunday at home against the Phoenix Suns after missing the last 15 games, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/GJaZWzNoC6
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 5, 2025
He was recently cleared for basketball activities and has been great for the Knicks this season. In 61 games played, he is averaging 26.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in 35.4 minutes per game, with a 29 percent usage rate and a 60.6 percent true shooting percentage.
The Knicks have managed to keep their head above water without Brunson, with an 8-6 record. They hold a 2.5-game lead over the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers.
The Hawks and Knicks are 2-2 in the season series, with the rubber match on Saturday.
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