New York basketball fans are basically living in a state of high-alert right now. If you've been checking the standings or your group chats lately, you know things are getting spicy in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks are currently 25-16, sitting comfortably but precariously near the top of the Atlantic Division. But after a rough West Coast swing where they dropped six of their last eight—including a frustrating 126-113 loss to the Warriors just last night—everyone is asking the same thing: who are the Knicks playing next?
Honestly, the schedule-makers did them a favor. They’re coming home.
The Big One: Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden
Tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, the Knicks finally get back to the Garden. They’re facing off against the Phoenix Suns (24-17) at 7:30 p.m. ET. This isn't just another game. It’s a rematch of that January 9th heartbreaker where the Knicks lost by five in the desert.
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The biggest storyline heading into this one? Jalen Brunson’s ankle.
Our All-Star point guard missed the Golden State game with that nagging right ankle sprain. Without him, the offense looked a bit disjointed, despite Karl-Anthony Towns trying to carry the load with 29 points and 12 boards. If Brunson is a no-go, expect Miles McBride to step into the spotlight again. McBride has been phenomenal in spot starts, but let's be real—beating Kevin Durant and the Suns requires the full "Nova Knicks" energy.
The Upcoming Schedule: No Easy Nights
The "Who are the Knicks playing next" question doesn't end with Phoenix. The rest of January is a gauntlet of superstars and local rivalries.
- Monday, January 19: Dallas Mavericks. This is the MLK Day matinee at 5:00 p.m. ET. Luka Dončić is coming to town. It’s always weird seeing former Knicks or dealing with the "what ifs" of past trades, but the focus here will be solely on whether OG Anunoby can put Luka in the "OG Shackles."
- Wednesday, January 21: Brooklyn Nets. The Battle of the Boroughs. Even when the Nets are rebuilding, these games at MSG are loud. It’s personal for Mikal Bridges, obviously.
- Saturday, January 24: @ Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks briefly leave the city for a 3:00 p.m. clash with Joel Embiid. This is a massive game for seeding.
- Tuesday, January 27: Sacramento Kings. Back home to avenge that 112-101 loss from earlier this week.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Roster
A lot of casual fans think the Knicks are just "Brunson or bust." That’s kinda disrespectful to what Leon Rose has built here. Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging nearly 12 rebounds a game. Mikal Bridges is playing heavy minutes and anchoring a defense that, while currently ranked 17th, has the potential to be elite when Mitchell Robinson is fully integrated back into the flow.
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Speaking of Robinson, he’s been the unsung hero since his return. The Knicks need his rim protection desperately. During this recent losing skid, the perimeter defense has been leaky. Having that 7-foot safety net makes a world of difference for guys like Josh Hart, who can then gamble more on steals.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning on catching these games, here’s the deal. Tickets for the Suns game are starting around $280 on the secondary market. If you want a "deal," the Nets game on the 21st is actually a bit cheaper, with some seats hovering around $196.
- Watch for the Injury Report: Check the 1:30 p.m. ET status updates tomorrow. If Brunson is upgraded to "Probable," expect those ticket prices to jump.
- Defense is the Key: Keep an eye on the defensive rating. The Knicks are 4th in offensive rating but 18th in defense. If they want to win this homestand, they have to stop giving up 120+ points.
- The Rotation: Watch how Mike Brown handles the bench. With Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet back in the mix, the second unit has some serious scoring punch that wasn't there in November.
The Knicks are at a crossroads in their season. A strong 4-1 or 5-0 run at the Garden over the next ten days could propel them back into the conversation for the #1 seed. A few more losses, and the panic in New York will be very real.
Next Step for Fans: Set your alerts for the 7:30 p.m. tip-off tomorrow on MSG Network. If you're betting, the Knicks opened as 4.5-point favorites against Phoenix, which tells you Vegas still believes in the Garden magic even with the injury concerns.