ATLANTA (Interstat) — The New York Knicks visit the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday at State Farm Arena in a matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions. New York (57-32) owns the best record in the Eastern Conference, while Atlanta (48-39) is fighting for playoff positioning.

The Knicks have won three of their past four games against the Hawks, including a 126-97 blowout Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. Jalen Brunson led New York in that victory with 39 points, eight assists and three rebounds. The point guard has averaged 28.9 points over his last 10 games, shooting 48% from the field. In the four prior meetings this season, Brunson posted 26, 29, 28 and 30 points, showing consistent production against Atlanta’s defense.

Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson has been a bright spot for the Hawks. The forward recorded 18 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in Tuesday’s loss, and he logged a 24-point, 10-rebound, eight-assist effort in Atlanta’s 109-108 win over New York on April 23. Johnson is averaging 19.2 points and 9.1 rebounds over his last eight games.

Thursday’s contest marks the eighth meeting between the teams this season. The Knicks lead the series 5-2, with wins in five of the last six matchups. New York’s recent results include a 114-98 road victory April 25 and a 108-109 loss April 23, both against Atlanta.

The Knicks have won 10 of their last 14 games overall, while the Hawks have split their last 10. Atlanta is coming off a 143-117 loss to Miami on April 12 and a 124-102 win over Cleveland on April 10.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 119-111 victory for Atlanta, but New York has been installed as a 1.5-point favorite. The over/under is 213.5.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern.