Look, the schedule is a mess. Between the local blackouts and the five different streaming apps you supposedly "need" to watch Jalen Brunson cook, it’s a wonder anyone finds the right feed before halftime. If you’re staring at your remote right now asking what channel is Knicks game on, I’ve got you.
Today is Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The Knicks aren't actually playing tonight—they just wrapped up a tough West Coast swing—but they are back in action tomorrow night, January 14, against the Sacramento Kings.
Where to Find the Next Game
For the matchup on Wednesday, January 14, at 10:00 PM ET, the game is airing locally on MSG 2.
Why MSG 2? Usually, it's because of a programming conflict on the main MSG channel, likely a Rangers or Islanders game taking priority. If you’re out of the New York market, you're looking at NBA League Pass.
The 2026 TV Landscape: Why It’s So Confusing
We are officially in the "new era" of NBA broadcasting. Remember when everything was just TNT or ESPN? Those days are dead.
The 2025-26 season saw a massive shift. TNT is gone. NBC is back. Amazon Prime Video is now a major player. Basically, if you want to catch every single minute of Knicks basketball, you need a spreadsheet and about four different logins.
Local Coverage: MSG Network and the Gotham Sports App
For those of us in the tri-state area, MSG Network (or MSG+) remains the home of the Knicks. Mike Breen and Walt "Clyde" Frazier are still the gold standard, though you'll see Monica McNutt and Alan Hahn stepping in more frequently now.
If you've cut the cord, you’re likely using the Gotham Sports App. This was the big 2025 merger that combined MSG+ and the YES Network's streaming services. It’s expensive—kinda painful, honestly—but it’s the only way to get the local feed without a cable box.
National Games: The Big Three
The Knicks are good now. Like, actually good. Because of that, they have nearly 40 nationally televised games this season.
- ESPN/ABC: Still the go-to for Wednesday nights and Saturday primetime.
- NBC & Peacock: This is the big change for 2026. NBC has "Sunday Night Basketball," and they often stash exclusive games on Peacock.
- Amazon Prime Video: Most Thursday night "national" games have moved here. If you're looking for a Knicks game on a Thursday, check your Prime app first.
How to Watch the Knicks Without Cable
If you’re done with Spectrum or Optimum, you have options, but they aren't exactly cheap.
Fubo is usually the favorite for sports fans because it actually carries MSG Network. Most other "Skinny bundles" like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV have the national channels (ABC, ESPN, NBC) but do not have MSG. This is a massive trap. If you buy YouTube TV to watch the Knicks and live in Manhattan, you will miss 65 games a year.
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NBA League Pass is only for the "exiles." If you live in New Jersey, Connecticut, or New York, League Pass will black out every single Knicks game. Don't waste your money unless you live in Philly or further.
Upcoming Schedule and Broadcast Channels
Here is exactly where the next few games are landing. No fluff, just the facts.
- Wednesday, Jan 14 @ Sacramento Kings (10:00 PM ET): MSG 2 / NBCS-CA.
- Thursday, Jan 15 @ Golden State Warriors (10:00 PM ET): Amazon Prime Video (Exclusive).
- Saturday, Jan 17 vs Phoenix Suns (7:30 PM ET): MSG / NBA TV.
- Monday, Jan 19 vs Dallas Mavericks (5:00 PM ET): MSG / NBC / Peacock (MLK Day Special).
The January 19th game against the Mavs is a big one. It's a national NBC broadcast for MLK Day, which means even if you don't have cable, you can likely catch it with a digital antenna or a basic Peacock sub.
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What Happened to TNT?
A lot of people are still searching for the "Knicks on TNT" or looking for the "Inside the NBA" crew. Unfortunately, the league's deal with Warner Bros. Discovery ended after the 2024-25 season. All those Tuesday and Thursday slots that used to be on TNT have been split between NBC and Amazon.
It’s a bit of a bummer. Not hearing the Round Mound of Rebound talk about the "Bockers" feels wrong, but that's the business now.
Quick Fixes for Common Issues
- "I have the channel but the game is blocked": You’re likely trying to watch a national feed (like NBA TV) while living in the NY market. You must switch to MSG.
- "I can't find MSG 2": On most cable providers, it’s tucked away in the 600s or 700s. If you’re on the Gotham Sports App, there’s usually a secondary toggle on the home screen.
- "Is the game on Peacock or NBC?": Often, it's both. However, NBC is leaning heavily into "Peacock Exclusives" this season to drive sign-ups. If the game isn't on your local NBC affiliate, it's 100% on the app.
Actionable Next Steps
To make sure you don't miss tip-off for the Kings game tomorrow or the Warriors game on Thursday, do these three things:
- Check your MSG 2 availability: If you use a streaming service like Fubo or DirecTV Stream, search for "MSG 2" now so you aren't scrolling at 10:01 PM.
- Verify your Amazon Prime login: Thursday's game against Golden State is an Amazon exclusive. Make sure your app is updated on your TV or Roku.
- Download the Gotham Sports App: Even if you don't pay for the standalone sub, you can usually "Authenticate" using your cable credentials to watch on your phone if you're away from the couch.
The Knicks are currently 25-14 and sitting near the top of the East. Missing a game because of a "Channel Not Found" error is the last thing you want during a playoff push.