If you're checking your watch and wondering what time do the New York Knicks play today, you aren't alone. It is Saturday, January 17, 2026, and the Garden is about to get loud. There is something specific about a Saturday night in Midtown Manhattan that just hits different, especially when a Western Conference heavyweight comes to town.
The New York Knicks are set to tip off against the Phoenix Suns at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Doors at Madison Square Garden typically open an hour before the game, so expect the gates to swing wide at 6:30 p.m. If you are heading to the arena, give yourself extra time. Penn Station on a Saturday night is basically a contact sport.
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Where to Watch the Knicks vs. Suns Tonight
Getting the game on your screen depends on where you’re sitting. Honestly, the broadcast map for the NBA in 2026 is a bit of a maze, but here is the breakdown for tonight’s matchup.
Locals in the tri-state area can catch the action on MSG Network. If you’ve cut the cord, the MSG+ streaming app is your go-to. For the fans out West or those watching from elsewhere, the game is being carried nationally on NBA TV.
Phoenix viewers will find it on AZFamily or the Suns+ streaming platform.
Radio listeners can tune into 98.7 ESPN New York to hear the legendary play-by-play. There’s something nostalgic about listening to a Knicks game on the radio while stuck in BQE traffic, isn’t there?
What Time Do The New York Knicks Play Today? Key Game Details
Timing is everything in the NBA. While the official "start time" is 7:30 p.m., we all know the actual jump ball usually happens about 10 to 15 minutes after the hour once the national anthem and player introductions wrap up.
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The Matchup at a Glance
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Venue: Madison Square Garden, NY
- Visiting Team: Phoenix Suns (24-17)
- Home Team: New York Knicks (25-16)
- Point Spread: Knicks are currently favored by 3.5 to 4.5 points depending on where you look.
The Knicks enter tonight as the top team in the Atlantic Division and 2nd in the Eastern Conference. They’ve been on a tear lately, though the Suns aren't exactly a "get right" game. Phoenix is sitting 2nd in the Pacific Division and brings a high-octane offense that usually tests the Knicks' perimeter defense.
Player Spotlight: Who to Watch
Jalen Brunson is, as usual, the engine. He’s averaging 28.2 points per game this season. Seeing him live is a lesson in footwork; he basically dances through the paint. Then you’ve got Karl-Anthony Towns, who has been a walking double-double since arriving in New York. He’s currently putting up 20.9 points and 11.5 rebounds a night.
On the Phoenix side, all eyes are on the injury report. Devin Booker is listed as questionable with an ankle sprain. If he plays, the Knicks have their hands full with Mikal Bridges likely getting the primary defensive assignment against his former teammate. If Booker sits, expect a lot more of Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen chucking from deep.
Looking Ahead at the Knicks Schedule
Once the final buzzer sounds tonight, the Knicks don't get much of a breather. They have a busy stretch coming up at the World’s Most Famous Arena.
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On Monday, January 19, they host the Dallas Mavericks for a 5:00 p.m. ET matinee. Then, on Wednesday, January 21, it’s the Battle of the Boroughs as the Brooklyn Nets come to Manhattan for a 7:30 p.m. start.
If you are planning to grab tickets for tonight or any of these upcoming games, be prepared for "Garden Prices." For the Suns game tonight, the "get-in" price on secondary markets like StubHub and SeatGeek is hovering around $297. It’s steep, but for a top-tier Saturday night matchup, that’s just the New York tax.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're planning to watch, verify your cable or streaming login for MSG+ or NBA TV now so you aren't scrambling at 7:29 p.m.
Check the final injury report around 6:00 p.m. ET to see if Devin Booker is officially cleared to play, as that will swing the betting lines and the defensive strategy significantly.
For those attending in person, remember that Madison Square Garden is a completely cashless venue—bring your cards or mobile pay for that $15 souvenir soda.