The 2026 NBA playoffs open at Madison Square Garden with the Atlanta Hawks visiting the New York Knicks for Game 1 of their first-round series. The latest injury report sets a clear contrast between both teams ahead of tip-off.
New York enters the series without a single player listed on the injury report. The roster is available in full for head coach Mike Brown’s rotation decisions.
Atlanta Hawks will be without center Jock Landale, who has been ruled out due to a right high ankle sprain. The injury removes frontcourt depth from Atlanta’s playoff rotation.
Landale’s absence is the only confirmed injury for Atlanta heading into Game 1. The Hawks otherwise bring a healthy core into the postseason opener at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks’ availability provides continuity for a lineup built around Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges. Each has logged heavy minutes across the regular season.
Brunson enters the series averaging 26.0 points and 6.8 assists per game. His role as primary ball-handler remains central to New York’s offensive structure.
Towns provides interior scoring and rebounding consistency, posting 20.1 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. His spacing also influences Atlanta’s defensive coverages.
Atlanta’s offensive framework is built around Jalen Johnson, who averaged 22.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game during the regular season. His production remains a key factor in transition and half-court sets.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker adds perimeter scoring for Atlanta, shooting 39.9% from three-point range across the season. His spacing is important against New York’s wing defenders.
Dyson Daniels contributes playmaking value with 5.9 assists and 2.0 steals per game. His defensive assignments are expected to be significant in this matchup.
Onyeka Okongwu anchors the interior for Atlanta with 15.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. His availability gains added importance with Landale sidelined.
The teams split their regular-season series 1-1, with both matchups decided on their respective home floors. Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday at 6:00 PM ET in New York.
