Watch Taylor Rooks Present Ian Eagle's Call: Hawks vs Knicks NBA Playoffs Game 1 on Amazon Prime

The Atlanta Hawks face the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs East 1st Round on Saturday, 18 April 2026, at Madison Square Garden, with coverage starting at 23:00 UK time exclusively on Amazon Prime Video worldwide. This high-stakes matchup pits the 6-seed Hawks (46-36 record) against the 3-seed Knicks (53-29), who enter as favourites with a -6.5 spread and strong home form (30-10).[1][5]

Amazon Prime holds the worldwide streaming rights for this playoff opener, making it the go-to platform for fans in the UK, US, and beyond, bypassing traditional US channels like ESPN, TNT, ABC, or British options such as Sky Sports for this specific game. Tip-off is at 6:00 PM ET (23:00 UK), promising intense action from Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart for the Knicks, while the Hawks lean on Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu—though they’ll miss big man Jock Landale due to a high ankle sprain.[2]

Leading the broadcast is charismatic presenter Taylor Rooks, known for her engaging sideline interviews and hosting stints across NBA TV, TNT, and Amazon Prime. Rooks, who rose to fame with her “Run With Rooks” podcast and viral player chats, brings unmatched energy to keep viewers hooked throughout the night.

On commentary, veteran Ian Eagle takes the play-by-play reins, his smooth delivery and sharp wit having defined NBA coverage for over two decades on CBS, TNT, and now Amazon Prime. Joining him as co-commentator is Stan Van Gundy, the esteemed coach with head coaching experience at the Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, and New Orleans Pelicans, plus broadcast roles on ESPN and TNT. Van Gundy’s tactical insights, honed from four NBA Coach of the Year finalist nods, will dissect every possession.[1][5]

The pre-game and halftime studio boasts an all-star pundit panel: Blake Griffin, the six-time All-Star and 2011 Slam Dunk Contest winner whose 17-year career spanned the LA Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics; Dirk Nowitzki, the Hall of Famer and 2011 NBA Champion with the Dallas Mavericks, celebrated for his iconic one-legged fadeaway and international impact; Udonis Haslem, the Miami Heat legend with three championships and the franchise’s all-time leader in games played, now a front-office executive; and Steve Nash, the two-time MVP and eight-time All-Star whose pick-and-roll mastery with the Phoenix Suns and Lakers informs his sharp analysis on Turner Sports and Amazon.[2]

Rounding out the team is reporter Cassidy Hubbarth, ESPN’s dynamic sideline presence with a background in hosting NBA Countdown and college basketball coverage, delivering live updates from courtside amid the electric atmosphere of Madison Square Garden.

This rematch of the 2021 first-round upset sees the Knicks aiming to leverage their elite defence and experience against a resilient Hawks squad. Game 2 follows on Monday, 20 April at 8:00 PM ET on NBC, with subsequent games shifting to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4 on 23 and 25 April. Potential Game 5 returns to New York on 28 April if needed.[2][3]

Fans can catch every highlight, from Brunson’s scoring prowess to the Knicks’ depth, via Amazon Prime Video’s seamless stream. For more on the Knicks’ playoff push, visit NBA.com/Knicks Playoffs. With this powerhouse broadcast team, viewers are in for expert breakdowns and unmissable drama as the postseason ignites.

The Knicks’ home dominance and star power position them as series favourites, but the Hawks’ athleticism could spark an upset. Expect Van Gundy to highlight key matchups like Towns versus Okongwu, while Eagle’s calls capture the Garden’s roar. Griffin and Nowitzki will offer fresh perspectives from their championship pedigrees, and Haslem’s grit adds Heat-level intensity to discussions. Nash’s offensive genius complements the panel perfectly, ensuring balanced takes on strategy.

As playoffs unfold, this Game 1 sets the tone for a compelling series. Tune in on Amazon Prime at 23:00 UK time for Rooks’ hosting flair, Eagle and Van Gundy’s synergy, and punditry from hoops royalty. Madison Square Garden awaits its playoff moment—don’t miss it.(Word count: 712)

Article generated: 18 April 2026, 23:01 GMT