You’re probably pacing a bit. It’s that New York energy. You’ve checked the clock, the coffee is brewing (or something stronger is poured), and you just want to know where to point the remote.
There is no Knicks game tonight, Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
I know, it’s a bummer. After that solid win against Portland where Jalen Brunson looked like he was playing a different sport than everyone else, we have to wait a beat. The Knicks are currently in the middle of a West Coast road swing. They played the Blazers on Sunday, and they don't take the court again until tomorrow night.
Channel of Knicks game tonight: When is the next tip-off?
The Knicks are heading to California. They face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
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Because this is a late-night West Coast game, the start time is a bit of a killer for the early birds. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM local time in Sacramento). If you're looking for the channel of Knicks game tonight, you're actually looking for the coverage for tomorrow's matchup at the Golden 1 Center.
The game will be broadcast on MSG2.
Why MSG2? Usually, it's a scheduling conflict with the Rangers or Islanders, and tomorrow is no different. If you are in the New York tri-state area, that’s your home. If you've ditched cable, you're likely using the Gotham Sports App. It's basically the new home for MSG and YES combined, and it's where most of us are landing these days to avoid the "channel not found" headache.
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Breaking down the viewing options
Honestly, watching the Knicks in 2026 feels like you need a PhD in streaming services sometimes. Here is how the landscape looks for the Sacramento game:
- Local Fans (NY/NJ/CT): Tune into MSG2. If you have the Gotham Sports App, you're set.
- Out-of-Market Fans: You’ll need NBA League Pass. Just remember, if you’re actually in Sacramento, League Pass will black you out, and you’ll need whatever local affiliate is carrying the Kings (likely NBC Sports California).
- National TV? Not this time. No ESPN, no TNT, no ABC. This is a gritty, local-broadcast kind of night.
What to expect when they actually play
The Knicks are sitting at 25-14, which is good for second in the Eastern Conference. They’re favorites in this game—by about 11.5 points, actually. That feels high for a road game, but Sacramento has been struggling lately with a 10-30 record.
Karl-Anthony Towns has been a beast on the glass, averaging over 11 rebounds. Watching him and Brunson navigate the high screen-and-roll has become the blueprint for this team. It's not always pretty, but it’s effective. The Kings are missing some serious firepower, too. Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray are both listed as out with injuries, which explains why the oddsmakers are so high on New York.
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The West Coast "Hangover" Factor
The Knicks are 9-10 on the road. Not amazing. There is always that weird "body clock" issue when Eastern teams head West. Even against a 10-win Kings team, these 10:00 PM starts can be trap games.
If you're staying up late, keep an eye on the bench. Josh Hart is likely going to play 40+ minutes because that’s just what Thibs does, but the Knicks' depth is what should carry them through this Sacramento-Golden State back-to-back.
Practical steps for Knicks fans
Since there isn't a game tonight, you have time to get your setup ready for tomorrow's late start.
- Check your Gotham Sports login: They updated the app recently. Don't be the person frantically resetting your password at 10:05 PM while Brunson is already hitting his first triple.
- Clear the DVR: If you can't stay up until 12:30 AM on a Wednesday night, make sure MSG2 is set to record. Note that it's specifically MSG2, not the main MSG channel.
- Prep for Thursday: The Knicks play the Warriors on Thursday, and that one is an Amazon Prime Video exclusive. If you don't have Prime, you won't see it. Period.
It’s a long season. A night off tonight means a rested squad for the gauntlet coming up. Rest up, grab some extra sleep, and get ready for the Sacramento tip-off tomorrow night on MSG2.
Actionable Insight: Double-check your cable package or streaming subscription for MSG2 specifically today. Many "basic" tiers include MSG but bury MSG2 in a sports add-on package. If you don't see it, the Gotham Sports App is your best 24-hour workaround to ensure you don't miss the Kings game tomorrow.