The NBA Playoffs are underway, and Game 2 is already living up to the hype. Today, the Atlanta Hawks (6) visit Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks (3).
In a game as meaningful as this one, we aren't just looking for standard lines — we’re looking for the "ceiling" performances. That’s where the ladder pick comes in. If you think a player might go way over their line, you bet their standard over, then "ladder" up into alternate territories (25+, 30+, 35+) for a higher payout.
Today, I'm targeting the Hawks' offense focal point: Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
NBA Alternate Line Picks for Hawks vs Knicks Game 2
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 20.5 Points (-108)
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker to Score 25+ Points (+192)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Points Ladder
We got burned by Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s 6-for-17 last game, but I’m not running from him yet.
He’s streaky – less so this season – but historically streaky in the playoffs. Even last year, he had a fantastic 23-point game off the bench against the Thunder in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, and went 0-for-8 and scoreless in the closing Game 5.
The shot diet was there in Game 1, though. He was defended pretty well, but still missed makeable looks, and looks he’s been generating and cashing in on all season.
The Knicks did show some weakness in drop, specifically with Karl-Anthony Towns on the interior, that NAW should be able to get looks against in Game 2.
Mikal Bridges did some quality work bumping NAW out of comfort zone, but simultaneously, the Hawks guard missed multiple open looks, and passed out of some drives where it appeared he created enough of an angle to generate free throws, where he’s 90 percent this season – albeit 2-for-4 last night.
All in all, I’m not scared off him yet, as this should be a decent matchup for productivity, even if it means he doesn’t maintain regular season efficiency, which we should not expect.
I don’t know if Atlanta wins this game, but I do think NAW is worth backing from an improved game standpoint. The Knicks are just better. But NAW isn’t going 6-for-17 every game.
I’ll go over 20.5 and a tiny nibble on 25+ could be worth it if he replicates similar volume.
Fonseca's Nickeil Alexander-Walker Ladder for Tonight
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 20.5 Points (-108)
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker to Score 25+ Points (+192)
