Honestly, being a Knicks fan is a full-time job. One night you’re watching Jalen Brunson slice through a defense like it’s nothing, and the next you’re wondering why the perimeter defense looks like a sieve. If you just checked the scores and saw that rough 113-126 loss to the Warriors at Chase Center on January 15, you’re probably itching to know when do the New York Knicks play again so they can get that bad taste out of their mouths.
The short answer? They are heading back to the Garden.
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The Knicks return to action on Saturday, January 17, 2026, for a home stand at Madison Square Garden. They'll be facing the Phoenix Suns, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. After a grueling West Coast trip that saw them drop games to the Kings and Warriors, getting back to the "Mecca" is probably exactly what Mike Brown and the squad need.
Breaking Down the Immediate Schedule
The NBA schedule makers aren't exactly doing the Knicks any favors this week. Following the Suns game, the schedule stays pretty packed. Here is the lowdown on the next few games:
- Saturday, Jan 17: vs. Phoenix Suns (7:30 PM ET)
- Monday, Jan 19: vs. Dallas Mavericks (5:00 PM ET) - This is a matinee game, so don't get caught working late and missing the first half.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: vs. Brooklyn Nets (7:30 PM ET) - The battle for New York is always a bit more intense, even if the standings don't always reflect it.
After that three-game home stretch, they hit the road again for a quick trip to Philadelphia to face the 76ers on January 24. It’s a relentless cycle, but that’s the 82-game grind for you.
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Why the Next Game Against Phoenix Matters
When looking at when do the New York Knicks play again, it’s not just about the date on the calendar. It’s about the context. Right now, the Knicks are sitting at 25-16. That’s solid. It’s third in the Eastern Conference. But they’ve been sliding lately, losing four of their last five games heading into this weekend.
The Suns are no pushovers. Led by their own stars, Phoenix actually beat the Knicks 112-107 back on January 9. That game was a heartbreaker. The Knicks were favored by 1.5 points but couldn't close it out in the final minutes. Saturday is a revenge game, plain and simple.
Home Court Advantage at the Garden
There is something different about MSG in 2026. The atmosphere is electric, and the team plays with a different level of desperation. The oddsmakers seem to agree, as the Knicks are early 3.5-point favorites for the Saturday night tilt. If you're planning on going, be prepared to shell out some cash—tickets are starting around $278 on the secondary market.
The Brunson and Towns Connection
A big reason people keep asking when do the New York Knicks play again is the duo of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Brunson is currently averaging about 28.2 points per game. He’s the engine. When he’s hitting those mid-range floaters, the Knicks are almost impossible to beat.
Then you have KAT. His presence in the paint has changed the geometry of the Knicks' offense. Even though they lost to Golden State, the offensive rating for this team is still third in the league. The struggle has been on the other end.
Defensive Woes and the Thibs Shadow
It’s weird seeing a Knicks team that ranks 18th in defensive rating. We’re used to the Tom Thibodeau era where every basket felt like it was earned in blood. Under Mike Brown, the pace is a bit faster (98.4, which is still 23rd in the league, but feels quicker), and the scoring is up. But the defense? It’s been leaky. Giving up 126 to the Warriors and 112 to the Kings back-to-back shows they miss that defensive identity.
How to Watch the Upcoming Games
If you aren't lucky enough to be sitting in the 100-level at the Garden, you've got options. Most of these January games, including the one against the Suns, are being carried by:
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- MSG Network: The home for local fans.
- NBA TV: This often picks up the bigger Knicks matchups because, let’s be real, New York draws ratings.
- Fubo or Hulu + Live TV: Good for the cord-cutters.
Looking Ahead: The Late January Push
Once the Suns and Mavs games are out of the way, the end of January looks like a gauntlet. They have a back-to-back on the 27th and 28th against the Kings and then the Raptors in Toronto.
Travel in the NBA is brutal. You finish a game at 10 PM in NYC, hop on a plane, clear customs in Canada, and have to be ready to play again 20 hours later. It’s why you see teams "load managing" or just looking flat in those second legs.
Current Eastern Conference Standings
To understand the stakes of when do the New York Knicks play again, look at the East:
- The Celtics are still the juggernaut at the top.
- The 76ers are nipping at the Knicks' heels.
- The Bucks are starting to find their rhythm after a slow start.
Every win in January feels like it counts double when April rolls around and everyone is fighting for home-court advantage in the first round.
Key Takeaways for Fans
If you're tracking the schedule, keep these things in mind:
- Rest matters: The Knicks just finished a West Coast swing. Expect some tired legs in the first half against Phoenix.
- Injury Report: Keep an eye on OG Anunoby. His defensive impact is massive, and when he’s out or limited, the perimeter defense suffers.
- The Villanova Connection: The chemistry between Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart is the soul of this team. When they’re clicking, the ball movement is beautiful.
What to Do Next
Check your local listings for the MSG Network broadcast starting at 7:00 PM ET for the pre-game show this Saturday. If you're betting, the "Over" has been hitting frequently for Knicks games lately due to their high-octane offense and occasional defensive lapses. Secure your tickets early if you're eyeing the Lakers game on February 1, as those prices are already skyrocketing toward the $600 mark for nosebleeds.