If you’re wondering when is the next Knicks game, you better brew some coffee or clear your Wednesday night because New York is heading out West.
The Knicks are officially in the thick of a grueling January stretch. After taking down the Portland Trail Blazers 123-114 this past Sunday, the team hasn't just been resting; they've been traveling. It’s that weird part of the season where the East Coast schedule gets flipped on its head for a road trip.
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When is the next Knicks game? Timing and TV
The New York Knicks play the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Tip-off is set for 10:00 PM EST (7:00 PM local time in Sacramento) at the Golden 1 Center. If you're watching from NYC, it’s going to be a late one on MSG Network. For those out of market, NBA League Pass is your best bet, though some local West Coast feeds like NBC Sports California will also have the broadcast.
Basically, the schedule doesn't get easier from here. After they wrap up in Sacramento, the Knicks have a literal back-to-back, hopping over to San Francisco to face the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
Quick Look: Upcoming Knicks Schedule
- Jan 14: @ Sacramento Kings (10:00 PM EST)
- Jan 15: @ Golden State Warriors (10:00 PM EST)
- Jan 17: vs. Phoenix Suns (7:30 PM EST) – Finally back at the Garden!
- Jan 19: vs. Dallas Mavericks (5:00 PM EST) – A massive Monday afternoon matchup.
The game against Dallas on the 19th is particularly interesting because it’s a 5:00 PM start. Don't let the weekday afternoon time throw you off; it's a holiday schedule, and Madison Square Garden is usually electric for those matinees.
How the Knicks are looking right now
Honestly, the Knicks are in a pretty great spot, even with the bumps and bruises that come with mid-January basketball. They currently sit at 25-14, which puts them right at 2nd in the Eastern Conference, trailing only the Detroit Pistons (who are having a weirdly historic run).
Jalen Brunson is playing like an MVP candidate. He’s averaging nearly 29 points a night. But it's not just the Brunson show anymore. Karl-Anthony Towns has fit into this system better than most skeptics expected, giving them a double-double machine that stretches the floor.
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The defense is... well, it's a Mike Brown defense. It’s gritty. They aren't the fastest team in the league—ranking 23rd in pace—but they'll grind you down in the half-court. They recently won the NBA Cup, so the "vibe" in the locker room is definitely high.
Injury updates and roster shifts
You can't talk about the next game without looking at who’s actually available to play. The big news recently was the return of Josh Hart. He missed eight games with an ankle issue, but he looked like his usual "glue guy" self in the Portland win, logging over 30 minutes immediately.
However, there are still some question marks for the Sacramento game:
- Guerschon Yabusele: He's been dealing with a quad injury. He's currently "game-time decision" status.
- Landry Shamet: Dealing with a shoulder sprain. He’s been working his way back, but the rotation has been tight without him.
- Mitchell Robinson: He’s still on that ankle management plan. You'll see him miss some back-to-backs or have limited minutes depending on how the training staff feels.
Because Hart is back, Tyler Kolek has actually fallen out of the rotation for a bit. It’s tough for the rookie, but that’s the reality of a deep Knicks team trying to secure a top seed.
Why the Sacramento game matters
The Kings aren't a pushover. Playing in Sacramento is notoriously loud, and the Knicks have historically struggled a bit with the cross-country flight and the late starts.
Domantas Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox provide a speed element that tests the Knicks' transition defense. Since New York prefers to play slow, the battle of "Pace vs. Grit" is going to be the deciding factor. If the Knicks can keep the Kings under 110 points, they usually win. If it becomes a track meet? That's where things get shaky.
What to do before tip-off
If you're planning on watching, make sure your MSG+ app is updated or your cable login actually works. These West Coast games are notorious for starting exactly when people realize their streaming subscription expired.
If you are looking to catch a game in person once they return to New York, the January 17th game against Phoenix is the "hottest ticket" right now according to most secondary markets. The Garden has been sold out basically every night this season, so don't wait until the day of to find seats.
For the Wednesday night game in Sacramento, expect a heavy dose of KAT and Brunson pick-and-rolls. The Kings' interior defense has been a bit soft lately, and New York is likely to exploit that early and often.
Next steps: * Set your DVR for 10:00 PM EST this Wednesday if you can't stay up late.
- Check the final injury report two hours before tip-off to see if Yabusele is cleared to play.
- Look ahead to the Dallas game on the 19th if you're planning to buy tickets, as that's the next major home event.