The Atlanta Hawks head into State Farm Arena today, Saturday, April 25, 2026, looking to seize a commanding 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks. Following a thrilling 109-108 victory in Game 3, where veteran guard CJ McCollum silenced critics with a clutch fadeaway jumper, the Hawks have established a clear tactical identity. While official starting lineups are mandated by the NBA to be released 30 to 60 minutes before the 6:00 PM ET tip-off, the consistency shown by head coach Quin Snyder in the last two games provides a very clear picture of who will take the floor today.

Expected Atlanta Hawks Starting Lineup Today

Based on the rotations that secured back-to-back victories in this series and the late-season surge, the following five players are expected to start for the Atlanta Hawks:

  • Point Guard: CJ McCollum
  • Shooting Guard: Nickeil Alexander-Walker
  • Small Forward: Dyson Daniels
  • Power Forward: Jalen Johnson
  • Center: Onyeka Okongwu

This unit represents a significant departure from the Atlanta rosters of years past, emphasizing perimeter length, defensive switching, and secondary playmaking.

Detailed Breakdown of the Starting Five

CJ McCollum: The Steady Hand in the Postseason

At 34 years old, CJ McCollum has transitioned from a high-volume scoring threat to the definitive leader of this Hawks squad. Acquired to provide backcourt stability, McCollum is currently averaging 27.0 points through the first three games of the 2025-26 postseason.

His performance in Game 3 was a masterclass in poise. Beyond the game-winning 15-foot shot with 12.7 seconds remaining, his ability to manage the game's pace has been vital. In the high-pressure environment of the playoffs, McCollum’s shooting splits—specifically his efficiency from the mid-range—force the Knicks' defense to stay honest, preventing them from overloading the paint against Jalen Johnson.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker: The Breakout MIP Candidate

Nickeil Alexander-Walker (NAW) has become the x-factor of the Hawks' 2025-26 campaign. Emerging as a heavy favorite for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award, NAW increased his scoring average by a staggering +11.4 points per game compared to last season.

In this series, he isn't just a scorer; he is a versatile secondary creator. Averaging career highs in assists (3.7) and rebounds (3.4) during the regular season, he has carried that momentum into the playoffs. His defensive energy, combined with his 20.8 PPG regular-season average, makes him a two-way threat that New York has struggled to contain. When NAW is hitting his perimeter shots, the Hawks' offensive rating spikes, as seen in his 36-point outburst in their final regular-season meeting with the Knicks.

Dyson Daniels: The Great Barrier Thief

Defensively, the Hawks' transformation begins with Dyson Daniels. Known colloquially as "The Great Barrier Thief," Daniels led the NBA in multi-steal games (51) this past season. Standing at 6'7" with elite lateral quickness, he is the primary defender assigned to New York’s Jalen Brunson.

Daniels owns a defensive rating of 103.0 since the All-Star break, the second-best mark in the league for players logging over 30 minutes. His role today is simple but grueling: disrupt Brunson’s rhythm. If Daniels can maintain his season average of 2.7 steals in the playoffs while cleaning up 8.7 rebounds per game as he has in this series, the Hawks will win the transition battle, which is where they are most lethal.

Jalen Johnson: The Multi-Faceted Hub

Jalen Johnson is the engine that makes the Hawks' modern offense go. In Game 3, he led the team with 24 points and 10 rebounds, marking yet another double-double in a season full of them. Johnson’s unique combination of size (6'8") and vision allows Quin Snyder to run the offense through the power forward position, a tactical wrinkle that often leaves the Knicks' big men out of position.

Johnson is no longer just a "glue guy"; he is a primary option. His ability to box out against the likes of OG Anunoby and still lead the fast break puts immense pressure on the Knicks' transition defense. For the Hawks to secure a win today, Johnson must remain aggressive in attacking the rim to draw fouls, utilizing his improved 69.2% free-throw rate.

Onyeka Okongwu: Anchoring the Interior

With the task of neutralizing Karl-Anthony Towns, Onyeka Okongwu has seen his minutes and importance skyrocket. While not a traditional "bruiser," Okongwu’s verticality and defensive timing are elite. He recently set a career-high in points during the hot streak leading into the playoffs, showing that he can be a factor on the offensive glass as well.

In this series, Okongwu has averaged 7.0 rebounds and nearly 2 blocks per game. His mobility allows the Hawks to switch on screens—a necessity when New York runs high pick-and-rolls for Brunson. Okongwu’s discipline in staying grounded against KAT’s pump fakes will be a major storyline in today's Game 4.

The Bench Weapon: Jonathan Kuminga

While the starting lineup sets the tone, the Hawks' success in this series has arguably been driven by their bench production, specifically from Jonathan Kuminga. Traded from Golden State earlier in the season, Kuminga has found a perfect home in Atlanta as the "spark plug" sixth man.

In Game 3, Kuminga provided 21 points off the bench, shooting with a level of confidence that has become infectious. Over the last two games, he has scored a combined 40 points. His athleticism provides a change of pace that tires out the Knicks' starters. When Kuminga, Gueye, and Kispert enter the game, the Hawks maintain a high level of defensive intensity without sacrificing scoring. Kuminga’s ability to hit the "corner three" (shooting 50% from the field recently) has forced New York to rethink their defensive rotations.

Why the Hawks Rotation is Finding Success Today

The current Hawks lineup is a far cry from the versions seen in 2024. The emphasis has shifted from a heliocentric, high-usage point guard model to a "positionless" defensive juggernaut.

Defensive Identity Shift

Under Quin Snyder, the Hawks have jumped to 5th in the NBA in defensive rating. This is primarily due to the length of the perimeter trio: Alexander-Walker, Daniels, and Johnson. In previous seasons, Atlanta was often exploited in the pick-and-roll. Today, they possess three defenders who can all switch onto four positions, effectively "shrinking" the court for opponents.

Rebounding and Loose Balls

A key stat to watch in today's lineup is "loose balls recovered." Dyson Daniels ranks second in the league in this category. In a playoff series defined by "nail-biting" one-point finishes, these hustle plays are the difference between a 2-1 lead and a 1-2 deficit. The Hawks currently hold a slight rebounding edge (56 to 55 in Game 3), a margin they must maintain to prevent the Knicks from getting second-chance points via Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart.

Scoring Balance

The Hawks are no longer reliant on one player to drop 40 points. While McCollum can still take over, the scoring is distributed. In Game 3, the distribution was:

  • Jalen Johnson: 24 points
  • CJ McCollum: 23 points
  • Jonathan Kuminga: 21 points
  • Nickeil Alexander-Walker: 14 points

This balance makes it impossible for the Knicks to employ a "box-and-one" or a dedicated double-team strategy without leaving a high-percentage shooter open.

Injury Report and Roster Depth

The Hawks' medical staff has managed to keep the core rotation healthy for this playoff run, though there are minor updates to consider:

  • Jock Landale (Center): Listed as Inactive for Game 3 due to injury. His status for today remains doubtful, which puts more pressure on Onyeka Okongwu and Mouhamed Gueye to handle the center minutes.
  • Trae Young (Guard): While Young was the face of the franchise for years, he has been notably absent from the recent winning rotation. The team has found a different rhythm with the McCollum/Daniels/NAW backcourt, focusing on defensive stops rather than high-speed shootouts.
  • Kristaps Porzingis (Forward/Center): Earlier in the season, Porzingis missed significant time. While he is technically available, Coach Snyder has preferred the mobile lineup of Johnson and Okongwu against the Knicks' specific matchups.

Tactical Matchup: Hawks vs. Knicks Game 4

The chess match between Quin Snyder and Tom Thibodeau will reach a fever pitch today. Here are the three tactical battles that will define the game:

1. The Brunson Stopper

Dyson Daniels will likely play 35+ minutes today. His goal is to force Jalen Brunson into difficult, contested mid-range shots. In Game 3, Brunson scored 26 points but required 23 shot attempts to do so. If Daniels can keep Brunson’s efficiency below 45%, the Hawks' chances of winning increase dramatically.

2. Controlling Karl-Anthony Towns

KAT had 17 rebounds in Game 3, a figure that concerned the Hawks' coaching staff despite the win. Okongwu and Johnson will need to double-team the defensive glass. If the Knicks dominate the boards today, they can negate the Hawks' shooting advantage.

3. The 3-Point Variance

The Hawks shot 39.4% from deep in Game 3 (13-of-33), while the Knicks struggled at 28.6%. New York is a defensive-minded team that prides itself on closing out on shooters. If the Hawks' shooters—specifically Corey Kispert and Buddy Hield (if he gets minutes today)—can provide a flurry of triples, the State Farm Arena crowd will make it very difficult for New York to mount a comeback.

How to Watch the Hawks Game Today

For fans following the lineup changes in real-time:

  • Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
  • Tip-off: 6:00 PM ET
  • TV Broadcast: NBC
  • Streaming: Peacock

Official starting lineups are usually posted on the Atlanta Hawks' social media channels and the NBA official site exactly 30 minutes before tip-off. However, barring a late-breaking injury in warmups, expect the McCollum-led unit to start.

Summary of the Hawks' Current Situation

The Atlanta Hawks are currently in the driver's seat of this first-round series. Their "today" lineup reflects a successful season-long experiment in defensive versatility and veteran-led composure. By moving away from a high-turnover offensive style and embracing the defensive prowess of Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Hawks have become one of the most dangerous outs in the Eastern Conference.

A win today in Game 4 would put the Knicks on the brink of elimination and validate the front office's mid-season trades for CJ McCollum and Jonathan Kuminga. With the home-court advantage at State Farm Arena, the energy is firmly behind this new-look Atlanta squad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is the starting point guard for the Hawks today?

CJ McCollum is the projected starting point guard. He has been the primary floor general throughout this playoff series, providing veteran leadership and clutch scoring.

Is Trae Young playing for the Hawks today?

Based on the recent rotations and injury reports from the series so far, Trae Young is not expected to be in the starting lineup. The team has transitioned to a defensive-heavy backcourt featuring Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels.

What time does the Hawks game start today?

The game against the New York Knicks is scheduled for a 6:00 PM local time (ET) tip-off at State Farm Arena.

Who is guarding Jalen Brunson for the Hawks?

Dyson Daniels, known as "The Great Barrier Thief," is the primary defender assigned to Jalen Brunson. Daniels is one of the league's top perimeter defenders and will be tasked with disrupting the Knicks' star guard.

How did the Hawks do in their last game?

The Hawks won Game 3 against the Knicks with a score of 109-108. CJ McCollum hit the game-winning shot with 12.5 seconds left, giving Atlanta a 2-1 series lead.

Is Jonathan Kuminga a starter?

No, Jonathan Kuminga has been playing as the Hawks' primary sixth man. He has been incredibly effective off the bench, scoring 21 points in Game 3 and 19 in Game 2.

Which channel is the Hawks game on today?

The game will be broadcast nationally on NBC and will also be available for streaming on the Peacock app.