The Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks meet for Game 2 of their 2026 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference first-round series on Monday night at Madison Square Garden. New York leads the series 1-0 after a 113-102 win in Game 1.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET, with both teams adjusting rotations based on a developing injury report that could shape early-series momentum.
Atlanta enters Game 2 with two key frontcourt concerns listed on the injury report. Jock Landale has been ruled out due to a right high ankle sprain, removing a depth option in the rotation.
Onyeka Okongwu is listed as questionable with right knee inflammation, creating uncertainty around one of Atlanta’s most productive interior players.
Okongwu averaged 15.2 points and 7.6 rebounds during the regular season while also providing rim protection with 1.1 blocks per game. His availability directly impacts Atlanta’s ability to defend New York’s size.
If Okongwu is limited or unavailable, Atlanta’s defensive assignments in the paint become more difficult against Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson.
On the Knicks side, OG Anunoby is listed as probable with a left ankle sprain. He averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals during the regular season.
Anunoby’s two-way presence remains important for New York, particularly in defending Jalen Johnson and limiting Atlanta’s wing scoring efficiency.
New York’s core remains stable around Jalen Brunson, who averaged 26.0 points and 6.8 assists per game in the regular season. His shot creation continues to drive the Knicks’ half-court offense.
Atlanta relies heavily on Jalen Johnson, who posted 22.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, giving the Hawks a primary offensive focal point in transition and pick-and-roll actions.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s perimeter shooting also plays a key role, as he shot nearly 40 percent from three-point range across the regular season.
