Hawks Host Knicks in Game 4 With Series Lead on the Line ATLANTA (Interstat) — The Atlanta Hawks host the New York Knicks on Saturday in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series at State Farm Arena, with Atlanta holding a 2-1 series lead after a dramatic 109-108 victory Thursday night. The Hawks (48-37) have won two straight games by a single point after dropping the series opener. Atlanta’s 107-106 win Monday in New York followed by Thursday’s home court edge has put the Knicks (55-32) in a must-win situation. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern. New York is a 1.5-point favorite, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The over/under is 214.5. Players to watch Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns has been a force on the glass in this series, averaging 21.3 points and 11 rebounds across three playoff games. In Thursday’s loss, Towns posted 21 points, 17 rebounds and four assists. He scored 25 points in New York’s 113-102 Game 1 win April 18. Hawks forward Jalen Johnson has been equally impactful. He recorded 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in Thursday’s win. Johnson has scored at least 17 points in each game of the series, including a 23-point effort in Game 1. Recent history The teams have split six meetings this season, but the Hawks have won the last two by identical 109-108 scores. In Thursday’s game, New York’s OG Anunoby scored 29 points and Jalen Brunson added 26 in the losing effort. Atlanta’s C.J. McCollum scored 23 points Thursday while Dyson Daniels added 13 rebounds and six assists. Projection The National Statistical game simulator projects a 119-112 Atlanta victory. Looking ahead The series will shift back to New York for Game 5 on Tuesday, with a potential Game 6 in Atlanta on April 30 if necessary.