If you are currently staring at your remote trying to figure out the knick game tonight channel, you aren't alone. It’s basically become a part-time job just to keep track of where the New York Knicks are playing. One night they are on the local legendary MSG Network, and the next they’re tucked away on a streaming service you forgot you subscribed to.
Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you’re looking for a game right this second, here is the deal: The Knicks played the Phoenix Suns yesterday (Saturday) at the Garden. They lost. It was a tough one.
There is no Knicks game tonight. They are off today. Honestly, they probably need the rest after dropping three straight. But don't put the jersey away yet. Tomorrow is Monday, January 19, and it’s a big one. It's MLK Day, and the Knicks are part of the NBA's massive holiday showcase.
Where to watch the Knicks vs. Mavericks tomorrow
Since there is no game tonight, you need to prep for tomorrow’s matinee. The Knicks host the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden.
The knick game tonight channel (well, for the next game) is actually a bit unique because it is a national broadcast on NBC. Yes, old-school NBC. Kickoff—or tip-off, rather—is at 5:00 PM ET.
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If you are in the New York local market, you can still catch it on MSG Network if you prefer Mike Breen and Walt "Clyde" Frazier. If you’re a cord-cutter, the game will be streaming live on Peacock.
The broadcast breakdown for Jan 19:
- National TV: NBC
- Local TV: MSG Network
- Streaming: Peacock, Gotham Sports App
- Out-of-Market: NBA League Pass
Why finding the channel is so confusing lately
The NBA's new media rights deal has turned things into a bit of a scavenger hunt. It used to be simple: MSG or TNT. Now? You’ve got to check a calendar that looks like a patchwork quilt.
This season alone, the Knicks have games spread across NBC, ABC, ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock. Just last Thursday, they were over on Amazon Prime Video playing the Warriors. If you didn't have the app downloaded, you missed a classic Jalen Brunson performance.
It’s frustrating. You pay for cable, then you find out the game is "exclusive" to a streaming platform. Then you buy the streaming platform, and the next game is back on local cable. It’s a loop that makes most fans want to throw their shoes at the TV.
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Understanding the "Blackout" headache
One thing that really trips people up is the blackout rule. Let's say the game is on NBA TV. If you live in Manhattan or even parts of New Jersey, you might see a "This program is unavailable in your area" message.
Why? Because MSG Network owns the local rights.
They want you watching their ads and their pre-game show. If you have NBA League Pass, those local games will also be blacked out until a few hours after the final buzzer. It’s a relic of the old TV era that hasn’t quite caught up to how we actually watch sports in 2026.
How to actually see the schedule
To stay ahead of the curve, I usually recommend checking the Gotham Sports App if you’re a local fan. It’s the new joint venture that combined MSG+ and the YES Network's streaming stuff. It's expensive, but it's the most reliable way to ensure you never miss a tip-off.
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Looking ahead at the January schedule
The Knicks are in the middle of a brutal stretch. After the Mavs tomorrow, they have the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. That one is back to being a local-heavy broadcast on MSG.
Then comes the big "Rivals Week" matchup on Saturday, Jan 24, against the Philadelphia 76ers. That game is on ABC at 3:00 PM.
See what I mean? NBC tomorrow, MSG Wednesday, ABC Saturday. You practically need a PhD in Media Studies to keep up.
Actionable steps for Knicks fans
Don't wait until 4:55 PM tomorrow to realize your Peacock login expired.
- Check your NBC reception: If you use an antenna, make sure it's positioned right for the 5 PM start tomorrow.
- Verify the Gotham Sports App: If you’re watching on your phone or tablet, log in tonight to make sure your subscription is active.
- Set a reminder for the early start: 5:00 PM is an awkward time for a game. It's not quite dinner, but it's right when you're finishing up holiday activities.
- Sync your calendar: Most team websites offer a "Sync to Calendar" feature that automatically updates the channel info in your phone's calendar app. This is the single best way to track the ever-changing broadcast landscape.
The Knicks are currently 25-17 and sitting third in the East, but this three-game skid is worrying. Watching the Mavs game tomorrow isn't just about finding the right channel—it's about seeing if this team can actually handle a title contender when the lights are the brightest.