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 are navigating a season of peaks and valleys, but currently find themselves firmly in playoff contention.
After a historic run to win the inaugural NBA Cup earlier in the season, the Knicks stumbled, but have recently rediscovered their form, reminding the Eastern Conference of their championship potential.
Despite their resurgence, former NBA veteran Chandler Parsons cautions that the Knicks could face a tough challenge in the postseason, depending on how the playoff bracket shakes out.
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.”
During a discussion about potential playoff matchups, former Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams jokingly suggested that Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole should secure a courtside seat for a potential series between the Knicks and Hawks.
Could the Hawks Upset the Knicks?
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)
The Knicks previously faced the Hawks in the 2020-2021 playoffs, where Atlanta pulled off a stunning first-round upset, winning the series 4-1.
As of March 24, the Knicks hold the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a 47-25 record, riding a six-game winning streak. A potential stumble by the Boston Celtics could even propel them to the second seed, though it wouldn’t necessarily avoid a matchup with Atlanta.
The Hawks, meanwhile, have surged, winning nine of their last ten games and positioning themselves to potentially climb into the fifth seed, currently just half a game behind the Toronto Raptors.
With the Eastern Conference playoff picture still taking shape, the Knicks face uncertainty regarding their first-round opponent. However, they are guaranteed to have home-court advantage in the opening round.
Should they meet the Hawks, the Knicks will be facing a team they’ve split with this season, winning December’s contest 128-125, but falling 111-99 in January. The two teams are scheduled to meet again on April 6 in Atlanta, a game that could serve as a preview of a potential playoff series.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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