The Denver Nuggets travel to Madison Square Garden to face the surging New York Knicks in a marquee Eastern-Western Conference clash. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic’s triple-double prowess, look to bounce back from a recent skid, while the Knicks, riding a seven-game win streak fueled by Jalen Brunson’s scoring and a stout defense, aim to extend their dominance at home. This matchup features two playoff contenders with identical records in the standings, promising a high-intensity battle between elite big men and dynamic guards. With both teams in the top tier of their conferences, this could preview a potential Finals matchup.
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York (capacity: 19,812; iconic NBA arena known for its electric atmosphere and history of hosting high-stakes games).
Tip-Off Time: 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT).
Broadcast: ESPN (national), MSG (local Knicks), Altitude 2 (local Nuggets).
Recent Team Forms
Nuggets: Denver has struggled lately, dropping three of their last five, including back-to-back losses to OKC and Detroit. They rank 5th in offensive rating (118.2) but have slipped to 12th defensively (112.5), allowing 120+ points in three straight games. Jokic continues to dominate (averaging 26.8 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 9.3 APG), but depth issues with injuries have exposed vulnerabilities.
Last 5: L 121-124 @ DET (Feb 3), L 111-121 vs OKC (Feb 1), W 122-109 vs LAC (Jan 30), W 107-103 vs BKN (Jan 29), L 109-107 vs DET (Jan 27). Form: L-L-W-W-L (averaging 113.6 PPG scored, 113.2 PPG allowed).
Knicks: New York is on fire, winning seven straight and nine of their last ten, with a +14.2 net rating during the streak. They lead the league in defensive rating (106.8) and rank 4th offensively (119.5), fueled by balanced scoring and elite rebounding. Brunson (28.4 PPG) and Towns (22.1 PPG, 12.3 RPG) form a potent duo.
Last 5: W 132-101 @ WAS (Feb 3), W 112-100 vs LAL (Feb 1), W 127-97 vs POR (Jan 30), W 119-92 @ TOR (Jan 28), W 103-87 vs SAC (Jan 27). Form: W-W-W-W-W (averaging 118.6 PPG scored, 95.4 PPG allowed).
Injury Report
Nuggets:
Out: Aaron Gordon (PF, Hamstring – expected to miss 3+ weeks), Tamar Bates (G, Foot), Spencer Jones (inactive).
Questionable/Day-to-Day: Christian Braun (SG, Ankle), Cameron Johnson (PF, Knee).
Knicks:
Out: Miles McBride (G, Ankle), Mitchell Robinson (C, Ankle), Mohamed Diawara (F, Ankle), Kevin McCullar Jr. (G, Calf).
Questionable/Day-to-Day: Josh Hart (F, Undisclosed).
These injuries weaken Denver’s frontcourt and Knicks’ bench, potentially leading to more minutes for starters like Jokic and Towns.
Key Player Matchups
Nikola Jokic (Nuggets C) vs. Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks C): Jokic’s playmaking (9.3 APG) meets Towns’s scoring and rebounding (22.1 PPG, 12.3 RPG). Expect a high-IQ duel; Jokic exploits mismatches underneath, while Towns stretches the floor (42% 3PT).
Jamal Murray (Nuggets PG) vs. Jalen Brunson (Knicks PG): Scoring guards clash—Murray (22.4 PPG) vs. Brunson (28.4 PPG). Brunson’s efficiency (48% FG) edges Murray’s volume, but Murray’s clutch gene shines.
Michael Porter Jr. (Nuggets SF) vs. OG Anunoby (Knicks SF): Porter’s shooting (41% 3PT) tests Anunoby’s elite defense (1.8 SPG). Anunoby could limit Porter’s open looks.
Bench Impact: Peyton Watson (Nuggets) vs. Donte DiVincenzo (Knicks): With injuries, benches matter. Watson’s athleticism vs. DiVincenzo’s shooting could swing momentum.
Series History
The Knicks hold a slight all-time edge at 49-52, but recent history favors New York. The Knicks have won four of the last five meetings, including a 145-118 blowout in Denver on November 25, 2024, and a 122-112 home win on January 25, 2024. Denver’s lone recent win was a 113-100 victory at home on March 21, 2024. Over the last 10 games, the series is split 5-5, with an average margin of 10.2 points and totals going under in six. New York is 4-1 ATS in the last five.
Betting Trends
ATS: Knicks 5-0 ATS in last 5 games; 6-1 ATS last 7 on Wednesday; 20-23-1 ATS overall (9-15 road ATS for opponents). Nuggets 5-0 ATS last 5 road games; 30-21 ATS overall (18-9 road ATS). Over/Under: Under in 4 of Nuggets’ last 5 road games; Under in 9 of Knicks’ last 12 home games. Combined O/U: Nuggets 32-19 Over (19-8 road Over); Knicks 26-25 Under (14-12 home Under). Historical: Nuggets 1-5 SU last 6 vs. Knicks; Knicks 6-1 ATS last 7 at home vs. Western teams.
Game Odds
Denver Nuggets 226.5
New York Knicks – 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, February 3, 2026
