The New York Knicks are one game away from moving on to the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, and that will happen if they can beat the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of their current first-round series.
The Knicks have made the second round of the playoffs in each of the last three years, and while they were down 2-1 against the Hawks, they are now just one win away from clinching the series and advancing.
While New York still has a job to do, if they are able to advance, their potential second-round series, which would come either against the Philadelphia 76ers or Boston Celtics, has been revealed.
Knicks Potential Second-Round Playoff Series Schedule
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 09: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks to pass the ball past Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden on April 09, 2026 in New York City.
There are still a few scenarios that need to play out, but if the Knicks can grab a win in Game 6 on Thursday night against the Hawks, they’ll be the first team in the East to make it into the second round of the playoffs.
With that, a potential second-round series has been revealed.
If each of the Knicks vs Hawks, Celtics vs 76ers, and Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets series end on Thursday in a Game 6, here’s what New York’s schedule would look like.
Game 1 on May 2
Game 2 on May 4
Game 3 on May 8
Game 4 on May 10
Potential Games 5-7 would come on the 12th, 14th, and 17th of May, respectively.
If each of those series goes to a Game 7, the Knicks’ second-round series would look a little different.
Game 1 on May 4
Game 2 on May 6
Game 3 on May 8
Game 4 on May 10
Games 5-7 would come on the same dates.
Additionally, the account New York Basketball confirmed what the Knicks’ upcoming schedule would look like depending on a few scenarios that have yet to play out.
“If Knicks, Celtics & Wolves win tonight: Game 1 Knicks@Celtics Sat NBC 7:30,” the account wrote. “Otherwise Game 1 most likely Mon OR If Knicks lose tonight: Game 7 Hawks@Knicks Sat Amazon 4pm… …unless it’s only Game 7 Sat-–then NBC 7:30.”
For now, New York still needs one more win, but will have two chances to get past the Hawks and go to the Conference Semifinals.
Knicks Starting Lineup And Injury Report For Game 6 vs Hawks
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 28: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles against Nickeil Alexander-Walker #7 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 28, 2026 in New York City.
Josh Hart was a surprise addition to the Knicks injury report ahead of Game 6, but he was upgraded to available shortly before tipoff.
He was the only player listed on the injury report, but has since been slotted into the starting lineup.
Before the game, the Knicks confirmed their typical group of starters for potential series-clinching game against Atlanta.
Josh Hart
The Knicks have played a solid last two games against the Hawks, coming back from a 2-1 lead Atlanta held in part due to C.J. McCollum‘s heroics.
However, with Game 6 on the road, New York has the chance to advance to the second round for the fourth year in a row, which is also every season Brunson has been on the team.
Knicks vs Hawks Game 6 tips off on Thursday, April 30, at 7 pm EST and is live on ESPN.
Knicks’ Potential Second-Round Playoff Series Schedule Revealed