Tonight, the New York Knicks are set to host the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden. But this isn’t just any regular game—it’s the NBA Cup quarterfinal, with both teams having a lot on the line. The Knicks (15-9) enter this game, winning five of their last six games while the Hawks’s (13-12) six-game streak was disrupted by the Denver Nuggets. As both teams head for the matchup, injuries will affect their rotations.

As per the reports, Jalen Brunson is back and projected to lead the Knicks. On the other hand, Karl-Anthony Towns is listed as questionable for the game due to a knee injury and Josh Hart’s status is day-to-day due to a sprained left ankle. On the Hawks’ side, injuries seem to be much more serious with Trae Young, De’Andre Hunter, Jalen Johnson, and Bogdan Bogdanovic all listed as day-to-day. While Cody Zeller is out for the game due to a personal matter.

Can the Hawks Overcome the Knicks’ Strength?

Trae Young, averaging 20.9 points and 12.2 assists per game has become one of the biggest concerns for the Hawks. His recent games have been some of his best, like the recent game against the Los Angeles Lakers in which he scored 31 points, 20 assists. Also, the potential absence of Jalen Johnson, averaging a 50.8% field goal percentage with 19.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, will make things tough for the team.

In case of absences, the Hawks will have to rely on their bench players like Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher. Both the players stood out in their previous game against the Knicks. Daniels, a strong defender, had an impressive four-steal game earlier this season, and Risacher scored a career-high 33 points in the previous matchup.

Knicks Depth Chart

Will Brunson lead the Knicks on their home-court

While the Knicks benefit from Brunson’s return, the Hawks will look to exploit any weaknesses in New York’s defense. If Towns can’t play tonight, his team will be missing their second-best scorer and a key rebounder. Ranking 11th in scoring and 9th in assists this season, Towns has been a major force, averaging 25.1 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. In his last game against the Hawks, he scored 34 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. Additionally, if Josh Hart is out, it will put more pressure on Brunson to carry an even heavier offensive load.

Hawks Depth Chart

However, Brunson has become a trustworthy contributor, including their recent win over the Toronto Raptors, where he recorded a double-double with 20 points and 11 assists. As the game approaches, one question remains: Can the Hawks overcome their own injury setbacks, or will the Knicks lead with their home-court advantage? The answers will come soon enough.