New York basketball is just different when the Garden is actually shaking. Honestly, for years, the "NY Knicks starting lineup" felt like a revolving door of "what-ifs" and "if-onlys." But right now? Things feel settled. Even with the constant hum of trade rumors—especially the noise surrounding Guerschon Yabusele's lack of minutes—the core five have carved out a real identity under Mike Brown.
It hasn't been a perfectly smooth ride. Far from it. We’ve seen the team navigate a messy stretch where Josh Hart was sidelined with that nagging ankle sprain, and the results weren't pretty. They went 3-5 without him. It turns out, when you lose your "glue guy," the whole structure starts to wobble. But Hart is back now, and the Knicks are sitting pretty at the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference as of mid-January 2026.
The Engine: Jalen Brunson and the Villanova Connection
Let’s be real: Jalen Brunson is the sun this entire system orbits around. He’s averaging nearly 29 points a game and dishing out over 6 assists. He isn't just a point guard; he's the heartbeat of the city. What makes this specific iteration of the NY Knicks starting lineup so fascinating is the sheer density of Villanova talent.
You’ve got Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart. That chemistry isn't just a fun "Roommates Show" talking point—it’s a tactical advantage. They know where each other will be before the pass is even thrown. Bridges has been a revelation on the wing, shooting over 40% from deep while usually taking the toughest defensive assignment.
Then there’s Miles "Deuce" McBride. While he often slides into the starting role when there are injuries—like we saw recently during Hart’s absence—his best work usually comes as that spark plug. But when Brown goes small and puts Deuce, Brunson, and Bridges on the floor together, the perimeter defense becomes a nightmare for opposing guards.
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The Frontcourt Power: KAT and OG
The trade for Karl-Anthony Towns changed everything. People worried about his fit in New York, but KAT has been a monster. He’s putting up double-doubles like it’s a chore he’s checking off a list. Having a 7-footer who can stretch the floor allows the spacing to stay wide open for Brunson’s drives.
And then there is OG Anunoby.
If Brunson is the engine, OG is the chassis. He’s the most versatile defender in the league, period. Just look at the January 9th game against Phoenix—OG dropped 32 points on absurd 76.5% shooting while basically putting the clamps on whoever he was guarding. When OG and KAT are both healthy, the Knicks' frontcourt is arguably the most balanced in the East.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Rotation
A lot of casual fans look at the box score and wonder why guys like Guerschon Yabusele or Landry Shamet aren't playing more. Shamet’s been dealing with a shoulder issue, but Yabusele's situation is different. Despite being a big-name signing, he's only seeing about 9 or 10 minutes a game.
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The reality? Mike Brown prioritizes defensive rotations over almost everything else. If you can't switch or stay in front of your man in his system, you're going to be watching from the bench. This is why Mitchell Robinson’s return to the rotation (even in managed minutes) has been so vital. He provides that vertical spacing and rim protection that KAT doesn't always focus on.
The Current "Ironclad" Five (When Healthy)
- PG: Jalen Brunson – The unquestioned leader.
- SG: Josh Hart – The rebounder, the transition pusher, the soul.
- SF: Mikal Bridges – The "Iron Man" who never misses a game and hits every corner three.
- PF: OG Anunoby – The defensive stopper and corner specialist.
- C: Karl-Anthony Towns – The offensive powerhouse.
The Bench Dilemma and Trade Deadline Whispers
As we approach the February 5th deadline, everyone is looking at Leon Rose. The Knicks are currently the NBA Cup champions and holding down a top seed, but the depth feels a little thin. With Landry Shamet out and Yabusele potentially on the move, the second unit relies heavily on Jordan Clarkson and Miles McBride.
Clarkson was a savvy pickup. He provides that "instant offense" off the bench that the Knicks have lacked in previous seasons. However, if the NY Knicks starting lineup has to carry 35+ minutes every single night, fatigue is going to be a massive factor come April and May.
There are whispers about the Knicks looking for one more wing defender or a backup big who can eat minutes while Mitchell Robinson continues his injury management. They don't have a ton of assets left after the KAT and Bridges trades, but they do have that Washington first-rounder if it stays outside the top 8.
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Actionable Insights for the Second Half of the Season
If you're tracking this team or betting on their progress, here is what actually matters for the rest of the 2025-26 campaign:
- Watch the OG Anunoby Health Meter: The Knicks' win percentage skyrockets when he plays. If he's on the floor, they can beat anyone. If he's out, the defense collapses.
- Three-Point Defense: Despite the talent, the Knicks have actually struggled to defend the perimeter lately, allowing some of the highest 3-point percentages in the league. This is the "hidden" flaw in the current starting five.
- The Yabusele Trade: Expect a move before February 5th. Clearing that roster spot and salary could bring in a veteran who actually fits Mike Brown's defensive scheme.
- KAT's Aggression: The Knicks are at their best when Towns isn't just a floor spacer. When he attacks the rim and gets to the free-throw line, it opens up everything for Brunson.
The 2026 Knicks aren't just a "tough" team anymore. They are a skilled, high-octane offensive unit that just happens to have some of the grittiest defenders in the sport. If this starting five stays intact and healthy, we aren't just talking about a deep playoff run—we're talking about a legitimate path to the Finals.
Stay tuned to the injury reports, especially for "management" days. This team is playing the long game. They want a ring, and they finally have the talent to go get it.