If you’re waking up this Sunday, January 18, 2026, and grabbing your remote to find the New York Knicks game, you might notice something’s a bit off. There’s a lot of NBA action on the slate today—Lakers, Raptors, Bulls, and even a London game—but the Knicks aren’t on the list.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a breather for a team that has been grinding through a rough January.
The Knicks just wrapped up a tough battle against the Phoenix Suns last night at Madison Square Garden. If you missed that one, it was a 7:30 p.m. tip-off that didn't exactly go New York's way, ending in a 106-99 loss. So, if you’re asking what time are the knicks playing today, the short answer is: they aren't. They’re currently in the middle of a much-needed 48-hour gap before a massive matinee game on Monday.
When Do the Knicks Play Next?
The "Orange and Blue" will be back on the hardwood tomorrow, Monday, January 19. Since it’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the NBA schedule shifts into day-game mode.
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The Knicks will host the Dallas Mavericks at MSG with a 5:00 p.m. EST tip-off.
This isn't your typical weeknight start. It’s that perfect "early dinner" slot that usually draws a massive crowd to the Garden. You can catch that game on MSG Network locally, or if you’re looking for national coverage, it’s slated for NBC and Peacock.
Quick Glance at the Upcoming Schedule
- Today (Sunday, Jan 18): No game (Team Off Day)
- Monday, Jan 19: vs. Dallas Mavericks at 5:00 p.m. EST
- Wednesday, Jan 21: vs. Brooklyn Nets at 7:30 p.m. EST
- Saturday, Jan 24: at Philadelphia 76ers at 3:00 p.m. EST
Why the Day Off Matters Right Now
The Knicks are currently sitting at 25-17, which sounds decent until you realize they’ve dropped three straight. The vibe in the locker room is probably a little tense. Jalen Brunson has been dealing with a nagging right ankle sprain that kept him out of the Suns game.
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Without Brunson, the offense looked kind of stagnant.
Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby are logging heavy minutes—typical for a Tom Thibodeau-coached team—but they need the rest. This Sunday off gives the medical staff an extra 24 hours to work on Brunson’s ankle and see if he can go against Luka Doncic and the Mavs tomorrow.
Keeping Up With the Knicks Schedule
For those who live and die by the MSG schedule, staying updated on what time are the knicks playing today usually involves checking the Gotham Sports App or the official NBA site.
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Broadcasting has changed a bit in 2026. While MSG Network is still the home for local fans, the "Gotham Sports" streaming setup is where most cord-cutters are landing these days. If you're out of market, NBA League Pass is your best bet, though the Monday game against Dallas will likely be blacked out there since it's on NBC/Peacock.
Where to Watch the Next Game
- Local: MSG Network
- National: NBC / Peacock
- Streaming: Fubo or YouTube TV (if they carry the local MSG feed in your area)
- Radio: 98.7 ESPN New York
Dealing With the Injury Bug
It’s not just Brunson. Mitchell Robinson is still in "injury management" mode for his ankle, and Josh Hart has been sidelined with soreness.
This is the "dog days" of the NBA season. Teams are tired. The Knicks are especially thin at the center position right now, leaning heavily on Karl-Anthony Towns to anchor the paint. Seeing KAT play 38+ minutes a night is impressive, but it’s a lot of wear and tear for a guy his size.
If you were planning to head to the Garden today, maybe save that energy for tomorrow’s 5:00 p.m. start. Tickets for the Mavericks game are hovering around $260 for the nosebleeds, which tells you everything you need to know about the demand for a Monday matinee in New York.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check the Injury Report tomorrow morning: Follow Knicks PR on X (formerly Twitter) around 11:00 a.m. for the first official update on Jalen Brunson’s status.
- Set your DVR for 5:00 p.m. Monday: Don't get caught thinking it's a 7:30 p.m. start; you’ll miss the whole game.
- Download the Gotham Sports App: If you’re a local fan without cable, this is currently the only way to stream the MSG feed legally.
- Monitor the Eastern Conference Standings: With the Knicks on a slide, keep an eye on the 76ers and Cavs, who are breathing down their necks for that third seed.