The energy around Madison Square Garden is just different when a West Coast heavyweight rolls into town on a Saturday night. If you’re checking your watch and wondering what time Knicks play tonight, set your alarms for 7:30 p.m. ET. The New York Knicks are hosting the Phoenix Suns on January 17, 2026, and honestly, this isn't just another mid-season slog.
It’s a battle of two teams hovering right around the same record, both trying to prove they belong in the elite tier of their respective conferences.
Doors at the Garden usually open an hour before tip-off, so expect the 33rd Street entrance to be buzzing by 6:30 p.m. If you’re stuck on the couch, the game is being broadcast on MSG Network locally, while national viewers can catch it on NBA TV. Out-of-market fans in the Phoenix area will see it on AZFamily or Suns+.
Why Tonight’s Start Time Matters for the Standings
The Knicks currently sit at 25-16. That’s solid, but they’ve been a bit shaky lately, dropping some games they probably should have won. Defending the perimeter has become a glaring issue. New York is giving up way too many clean looks from deep, and against a team like Phoenix, that’s basically playing with fire.
The Suns are coming in at 24-17. They’ve been surprisingly steady despite some nagging injuries to their core stars. When you look at the matchup, the oddsmakers have the Knicks as 3.5-point favorites. That’s a "respect the home court" line if I’ve ever seen one.
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New York's defensive identity has slipped a bit. They’re ranked 18th in defensive rating right now, allowing about 113.6 points per 100 possessions. For a Tom Thibodeau team, those numbers usually result in some very loud film sessions.
The Jalen Brunson Question
The biggest storyline heading into the 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off is the health of Jalen Brunson. He’s officially listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain. We all know Brunson. He’d play on one leg if they let him, but the training staff might be more cautious with a long season ahead.
If he can’t go, the burden falls squarely on Miles "Deuce" McBride. McBride has been a revelation this season. He actually dropped 25 points in the loss to the Warriors earlier this week when Brunson was sidelined.
Then you’ve got Karl-Anthony Towns. KAT has been a monster on the boards, averaging 11.5 rebounds per game, which is second in the entire league. He’s going to have his hands full tonight against Mark Williams, who has been quietly putting up double-doubles for the Suns.
Key Matchups to Watch at Madison Square Garden
It’s not just about the stars. Mikal Bridges is facing his old teammates again, and you know he’s got this one circled. Bridges hasn't been shooting the lights out—he went 6-for-20 in the last game—but his "iron man" status and defensive versatility are what keep the Knicks afloat when things get messy.
Phoenix has their own drama. Devin Booker is dealing with an ankle issue and is also questionable. If both Brunson and Booker sit, we might be looking at a defensive grind-fest rather than a high-scoring shootout.
- The Paint Battle: KAT vs. Mark Williams.
- The Perimeter: Can the Knicks stop Grayson Allen from getting hot? He just dropped 33 in a loss to Detroit.
- Bench Depth: Jordan Clarkson has been providing a spark for New York, but they need more from the second unit.
The total for this game is set at 224.5. Usually, these teams trend toward the over, especially with the Knicks' recent defensive lapses and their ability to put up points at home (averaging 121.7 at the Garden).
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Watching the Game: TV and Streaming Details
If you aren't physically in the building, you have a few ways to watch.
- Local Cable: MSG Network (NY) and AZFamily (Phoenix).
- National TV: NBA TV.
- Streaming: Fubo (usually carries MSG) or the Suns+ app for those out West.
- Radio: 98.7 ESPN New York for the local call.
Tickets are pricey, as usual. Last-minute seats on secondary markets are hovering around $278 for the nosebleeds. If you want to sit anywhere near the floor, you're looking at four figures. That’s the "Knicks Tax" for a Saturday night game.
Final Thoughts Before Tip-Off
Keep an eye on the official injury reports about 30 minutes before the 7:30 p.m. start. If Brunson is ruled out, the line might move toward Phoenix. However, the Knicks have shown they can win ugly at home.
The strategy for New York is simple: tighten up the perimeter defense and let KAT dominate the glass. If they can keep the Suns under 110 points, they should walk away with a win and keep pace in the Eastern Conference race.
Next Steps for Fans:
Check the final active roster on the NBA app at 7:00 p.m. to confirm if Jalen Brunson is starting. If you’re betting, the "Under" might be tempting if both primary scorers (Brunson and Booker) are out. Secure your streaming login now so you don't miss the jump ball.