Knicks vs Hawks: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

Although the two have had very different weeks in terms of success, tonight's game between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks should be one of the best from Friday's slate.

The Knicks have won four straight games despite playing without Amar'e Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin in their last two contests. They destroyed Orlando 108-86 on Wednesday behind 25 points from both Carmelo Anthony and Iman Shumpert.

The Hawks, on the other hand, have dropped two straight, including a 21-point loss to Chicago on Wednesday. Atlanta only mustered 77 points in that game, as their starters combined to shoot just 38.5 percent from the field.

They'll need to do much better than that if they want to beat the Knicks, who have only lost once in their last nine games.

Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia

When: Friday March 30, 730 PM EST

Watch: MSG and SportSouth have the TV coverage, or you can watch the live stream on-line via NBA League Pass

Listen: Atlanta—680 The Fan New York—1050 WEPN

Betting Line: Atlanta -3.5 according to sbgglobal.com

Key Injuries:

Hawks

Vladimir Radmonovic (back), day-to-day

Knicks

Amare Stoudemire (back), out

Jeremy Lin (knee), questionable

What They're Saying:

Marc Berman of the New York Post writes that new head coach Mike Woodson has had a profound impact on the team's defense.

"

Carmelo Anthony, who was not putting out on the defensive end for D’Antoni, can’t stop talking about defense since Woodson took over.

“We are really locked in and focused on what we need to focus on, which is the defense end,’’ Anthony said following the stunning destruction of the Magic Wednesday night when they built a 39-point bulge. “We have been tremendous on that end of the court.’’

"

Although the Hawks are struggling, basketball is hardly the biggest issue in Atlanta. Michael Francis of examiner.com explains how the Hawks are trying to help.

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Unemployment is continuing to cripple Atlanta's economy, but the Atlanta Hawks will host an event geared towards helping its fans find work.

On April 4, the Hawks will be holding a career and internship fair inside Philips Arena. The event will take place from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM EDT. The team will be providing one $30 ticket per attendee for that night's game against the Charlotte Bobcats, starting at 7:30 PM, for all attendees that pay the $25 fair registration fee.  Basically, attendees will get to meet with dozens of potential employers and get discounted tickets to boot.

"

Knicks Player to Watch: Carmelo Anthony, SF

With Lin and Stoudemire out, Anthony has shouldered the extra offensive burden well. He's averaging 26.5 points on 48.5 percent shooting in his last two outings.

Against Atlanta, he will need to have a similar performance. If Anthony is aggressive in getting to the line and maintains his efficiency from the field, New York will be in a great position.

Hawks Player to Watch: Josh Smith, PF

Despite his poor play against the Bulls, Smith is having the best regular season of his career. Prior to Wednesday's loss, he was averaging 26.8 points, 13.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists in his last five games.

If he can regain that form against New York, the Hawks will spoil Mike Woodson's return to Atlanta.

Key Matchup: Tyson Chandler vs Zaza Pachulia

Although both teams have elite scorers on the wings, the most interesting individual matchup will take place under the rim. Chandler and Pachulia are two of the best rebounders in the game and whoever cleans the glass better will give their team a great chance at winning.

Chandler is pulling down 9.7 rebounds per game this season, while Pachulia is averaging 10 per game in March. Both have also posted some insane totals in the past week, with Pachulia going for 20 boards against Utah and Chandler grabbing 17 versus Detroit.

Neither player will score a lot of points, but don't be surprised if one of them sways the outcome of the game by controlling the glass.

Prediction:

Atlanta 99 - New York 96

I'm expecting the Hawks to beat their former coach and end their two-game losing streak. New York doesn't have any inside scoring without Stoudemire and no one on their roster can cover Smith. Look for J-Smoove to put up 20 and 10 while leading his team to victory.