NBA Game Preview: Phoenix Suns (24-17) vs. New York Knicks (25-16)

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The Phoenix Suns travel to New York for an interconference battle against the Knicks, where Phoenix’s high-powered offense meets New York’s stout defense in a potential playoff preview. Both teams are in the thick of their conference races, with the Suns looking to bounce back from recent road losses and the Knicks aiming to capitalize on home-court energy amid injury concerns to key guards. Expect a competitive game with star matchups, but Phoenix’s depth could be tested if Devin Booker sits out.

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET (broadcast on NBA TV, MSG)

Recent Team Forms

The Suns have been streaky, winning five straight before dropping two on the road, while the Knicks have struggled lately with back-to-back losses and injuries impacting their guard play.

Phoenix Suns Last 10 Games (6-4 record, averaging 112.9 PPG scored, 107.0 PPG allowed)

DateOpponentResultKey Stats
1/15/2026@ DETL 105-108105 PTS, 41% FG
1/13/2026@ MIAL 121-127121 PTS, 43% FG
1/11/2026vs WASW 112-93112 PTS, 42% FG
1/9/2026vs NYKW 112-107112 PTS, 45% FG
1/7/2026@ MEMW 117-98117 PTS, 48% FG
1/5/2026@ HOUL 100-97100 PTS, 41% FG
1/3/2026vs OKCW 108-105108 PTS, 44% FG
1/1/2026vs SACW 129-102129 PTS, 51% FG
12/30/2025@ CLEL 113-129113 PTS, 46% FG
12/28/2025@ WASW 115-101115 PTS, 47% FG

New York Knicks Last 10 Games (5-5 record, averaging 116.6 PPG scored, 114.6 PPG allowed)

DateOpponentResultKey Stats
1/15/2026@ GSWL 113-126113 PTS, 45% FG
1/13/2026@ SACL 101-112101 PTS, 42% FG
1/11/2026vs MIAW 115-113115 PTS, 48% FG
1/9/2026@ PHXL 107-112107 PTS, 44% FG
1/6/2026@ SACL 101-112101 PTS, 42% FG
1/4/2026vs MIAW 115-113115 PTS, 48% FG
1/2/2026vs ATLL 99-11199 PTS, 37% FG
12/31/2025@ SASL 132-134132 PTS, 48% FG
12/29/2025@ NOPW 130-125130 PTS, 48% FG
12/27/2025@ ATLW 128-125128 PTS, 45% FG

Injury Report

Guard injuries could dictate the pace, with both teams potentially missing All-Stars in the backcourt.

Phoenix Suns

Questionable: Devin Booker (Left Ankle – Sprain)

Out: Jamaree Bouyea (Concussion Protocol), Jalen Green (Right Hamstring – Strain)

Available: Jordan Goodwin (Jaw – Sprain)

New York Knicks

Questionable: Jalen Brunson (Right Ankle – Sprain)

Out: Trey Jemison III (G League – Two-Way)

Key Player Matchups

Star power abounds, but injuries to Booker and Brunson could shift focus to secondary scorers and defenses.

Kevin Durant (PHX) vs. OG Anunoby (NYK): Durant’s scoring (28+ PPG) vs. Anunoby’s elite defense; this could decide the wing battle.

Devin Booker (PHX) vs. Jalen Brunson (NYK): If both play, a guard duel with high assists; otherwise, Bradley Beal or Mikal Bridges steps up.

Jusuf Nurkic (PHX) vs. Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK): Big-man clash in the paint; rebounding and spacing will be key.

Overall Edge: Knicks’ home dominance gives them a slight nod, but Suns’ road resilience keeps it tight.

Series History

Phoenix has edged recent meetings, but New York holds the all-time advantage.

All-Time Record: Knicks lead 68-73 in 141 regular-season games

Recent Meetings: Suns won the last on 1/9/2026 (112-107)

I

n the last 5 games: Suns 3-2 (average score: PHX 114.8, NYK 113.0)

At Madison Square Garden: Knicks have won 4 of the last 6 home games vs. Suns

Betting Trends

Suns: 8-2 ATS in last 10 games; 6-0 ATS as away favorites

Knicks: 3-7 ATS in last 10 games; 14-6 ATS at home

O/U Trends:

Suns: Under in 6 of last 10 games; road games average 219.8 total points

Knicks: Over in 5 of last 8 home games; games average 231.2 total points

Game Odds

Phoenix Suns                     223.5

New York Knicks               – 3.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 16, 2026