You're staring at the wall at MSG or, more likely, sitting on your couch in Queens or Jersey, and you just want to know what time do the knicks game come on tonight. It sounds like a simple question. It isn't. Not really. Between the NBA’s chaotic national TV deals, the quirky scheduling of MSG Network, and those random Sunday matinees that catch everyone off guard, finding the start time is a whole ordeal.
Basketball in New York operates on its own rhythm.
If you’ve been a fan for more than a week, you know the drill. You check the schedule, see "7:30 PM," tune in at 7:31, and find out you’re stuck watching twenty minutes of "Knicks Game Night" pre-game analysis. The actual tip-off? That’s usually 10 to 15 minutes after the listed time. Except when it's on ABC. Then it’s a whole different ballgame.
The Standard Rhythm of Tip-Off Times
Most weeknight games at Madison Square Garden follow a predictable pattern. If it's a standard home game against an Eastern Conference foe, you're usually looking at a 7:30 PM ET start. Why the extra half hour compared to the 7:00 PM starts in Indy or Charlotte? Because New York is a city of commuters. The NBA knows that getting through the Holland Tunnel or off the LIRR by 7:00 PM is a pipe dream for most season ticket holders.
But wait.
When the Knicks head out West, everything breaks. If they’re playing the Lakers or the Warriors, you aren't asking what time do the knicks game come on because you want to watch it—you’re asking because you’re wondering if you can stay awake. Those 10:00 PM or 10:30 PM ET starts are brutal. You’re basically committing to a 1:00 AM finish. Honestly, it’s a test of loyalty.
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Sundays are the wild card. The NBA loves a good Sunday matinee at the Garden. You might see a 1:00 PM start or even a 3:30 PM slot. These are designed for the European markets to finally watch Jalen Brunson without drinking four espressos at 3:00 AM.
National TV vs. MSG Network: The Great Delay
The channel matters just as much as the clock. If the game is on MSG Network—the local home of the Knicks—the "start time" is pretty honest. If it says 7:30, the ball is usually in the air by 7:40. Mike Breen and Walt "Clyde" Frazier aren't there to waste your time; they’re there to talk about "swishing and dishing."
National broadcasts are a different beast.
When TNT or ESPN gets their hands on a Knicks game, the "start time" is basically a suggestion. TNT’s Inside the NBA crew is legendary, but they will talk through a twenty-minute segment before a single player hits the floor. If the schedule says what time do the knicks game come on is 8:00 PM on TNT, don't expect a whistle until 8:15 PM at the earliest. Sometimes 8:20. It's frustrating, but that’s the price of being a "big market" team that everyone wants to broadcast.
Why the Time Actually Shifts
Ever wonder why a game suddenly moves? It happens more than you'd think. The NBA has a "flex scheduling" policy. If the Knicks were supposed to play a struggling team on a Friday night, but both teams are suddenly top-four seeds, ESPN might "flex" that game into a prime-time slot.
Suddenly, your 7:00 PM plans are now 8:00 PM plans.
- The Lead-in Game: This is the most common reason for a delay. If the Knicks are the second half of a TNT doubleheader, and the first game (say, Celtics vs. Heat) goes into overtime, the Knicks game isn't starting until that floor is cleared. You’ll see the dreaded "Game will start on ESPNEWS" scroll across your screen.
- Pre-Game Ceremonies: If it’s opening night, or if they’re honoring a legend like Willis Reed or Walt Frazier, add 20 minutes.
- The "National" Buffer: National networks need time for their advertisers. It’s all about the money. Those extra five minutes of commercials before the jump ball add up to millions over a season.
How to Find the Real Start Time Today
Honestly, the best way to keep track isn't just googling the phrase. You've got to look at the specific source. The official Knicks Twitter (or X) account usually posts the "Starting 5" graphic about 30 minutes before the real tip-off. When you see that graphic, the game is imminent.
Another pro tip: check the betting lines. Sportsbooks hate uncertainty. If a game is delayed for some reason, the "off-board" status or the countdown clocks on apps like FanDuel or DraftKings are often more accurate than the local news. They need to know exactly when that ball goes up so they can lock the bets.
The Impact of Time Zones
We’ve talked about the West Coast, but the "mid-trip" is also weird. When the Knicks play in Chicago or Milwaukee, they are in Central Time. A 7:00 PM local start there is an 8:00 PM start for us in New York. It’s easy to get turned around.
- Eastern Time Zone: 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM (Standard)
- Central Time Zone: 8:00 PM (Our time)
- Mountain Time Zone: 9:00 PM (Our time)
- Pacific Time Zone: 10:00 PM or 10:30 PM (The "I'm calling out of work tomorrow" slot)
What to Do When the Game is "Blacked Out"
You check the clock. You know what time do the knicks game come on. It’s 7:30 PM. You open your streaming app, and... nothing. The dreaded blackout. This usually happens because you’re trying to watch a national broadcast but you live in the New York market, or vice versa.
If you’re in the NYC area, MSG Network has the local rights. If the game is on NBA TV, but also on MSG, the NBA TV version will be blacked out for you. You have to go to the local source. It’s a relic of old cable TV deals that haven't quite caught up to the 2020s streaming reality.
Practical Steps for the Dedicated Fan
Don't just rely on a mental calendar. The NBA schedule is a grind—82 games is a lot to track. If you want to be precise, follow these steps to ensure you’re never late:
Download the official Knicks app and enable "Game Start" notifications. It’s usually a bit more reliable than a generic sports app. They will ping you exactly when the lineups are announced and when the game is about to begin.
Sync the schedule to your digital calendar. Most fans don't realize that the Knicks' official website offers a "Sync to Calendar" feature. It automatically adjusts for your local time zone. If you travel to London for work, your calendar will show the game starting at 12:30 AM instead of 7:30 PM.
Always check the "Channel" column. If you see ABC, expect a long intro. If you see MSG, expect a quick start. If you see TNT, expect a lot of Charles Barkley (which isn't a bad thing) and a late tip.
Lastly, give yourself a "buffer" of fifteen minutes. If the schedule says 7:30, aim to be in front of the TV by 7:25. It gives you time to find the remote, get your snacks, and complain about the officiating before the game even starts. That’s the true New York way.
Check the official NBA injury report two hours before the listed time. Sometimes, a late scratch of a star player like Jalen Brunson or Julius Randle can change the "vibe" of the start time, even if the clock stays the same. The broadcasters might spend more time discussing the injury, stretching out the pre-game.
Stay ready. The Garden is waiting.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Sync your Google Calendar: Visit the official Knicks schedule page and click "Add to Calendar" to get automatic updates.
- Check the Injury Report: Use the official NBA "Latest Injuries" PDF, which is updated hourly on game days.
- Verify the Broadcast: Use the "Local Listings" tool on the MSG Network website to see if the game is being carried on MSG or MSG+.