The Los Angeles Clippers hit the road to take on the New York Knicks in an interconference battle at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks aim to extend their recent home dominance against a struggling Clippers squad dealing with injuries and inconsistency. With New York boasting a strong defensive identity and Los Angeles relying on star power that may be limited, this matchup could favor the hosts but offers potential upset value if the Clippers’ veterans step up. Below is a full breakdown of the key details.
Venue Location
The game will be played at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. This iconic 19,812-seat arena has been the Knicks’ home since 1968 and is known for its electric atmosphere, particularly in high-stakes games, with New York holding a 13-5 home record this season.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on regional networks, with national streaming options available via NBA League Pass and services like ESPN+.
Recent Team Forms
The Knicks enter with momentum from a mix of wins, while the Clippers have shown flashes but remain inconsistent.
Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers are 4-6 in their last 10 games, highlighted by a narrow 103-102 victory over the Golden State Warriors on January 5. They’ve averaged 112.8 points per game (24th in NBA) but rank poorly defensively (118.4 points allowed, 25th), with a -5.6 net rating. Rebounding (42.1 RPG, 23rd) has been a weakness, though they’ve won two of their last three home games before this road trip.
New York Knicks: The Knicks are 6-4 in their last 10 games and have won four straight at home, though their most recent game was a 130-119 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. They average 116.7 points per game (15th) with strong defense (111.2 allowed, 4th) and a +5.5 net rating. Their three-point shooting (38.1%, 5th) and assisting (28.4 APG, 6th) fuel their form.
| Team | Last 10 Games | Last Game Result | Key Stat from Recent Form |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 4-6 | W 103-102 vs. GSW | 2-3 SU in last 5 road games; OVER in 6 of last 9 |
| New York Knicks | 6-4 | L 130-119 vs. PHI | 4-1 SU at home in last 5; UNDER in 5 of last 8 |
Injury Report
Injuries could significantly impact the backcourt, especially for the Clippers.
Los Angeles Clippers:
James Harden (PG): Questionable (shoulder) – Primary playmaker (22.4 PPG, 8.1 APG); his absence would cripple the offense.
Derrick Jones Jr. (SF): Out (knee – sprained MCL) – Defensive specialist; out extended period.
Bradley Beal (SG): Out (knee) – Scoring threat (16.8 PPG); further depletes guard depth.
New York Knicks:
Landry Shamet (SG): Out (undisclosed) – Bench shooter; minimal impact but affects spacing.
Kevin McCullar (SF): Questionable (undisclosed) – Provides wing defense; status to monitor.
No other major injuries reported, though Mikal Bridges has been quiet recently but is available.
rotowire.com +5
Check for last-minute updates, as questionable players like Harden could be game-time decisions.
Player Matchups
This game features compelling guard and forward battles, potentially tilted by injuries.
James Harden (LAC, if available) vs. Jalen Brunson (NYK): Harden’s scoring (22.4 PPG) and vision face Brunson’s efficiency (24.6 PPG, 6.8 APG, 48.2 FG%). Brunson could exploit Harden’s defensive lapses, while Harden’s step-back threes test New York’s perimeter D (35.4% opponent 3PT%, 8th).
Kawhi Leonard (LAC) vs. OG Anunoby (NYK): Leonard (20.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG) brings two-way play against Anunoby’s elite defense (1.6 SPG, 1.2 BPG). This wing matchup could decide rebounding, with New York holding a +3.2 RPG edge overall.
Norman Powell (LAC) vs. Mikal Bridges (NYK): Powell (18.7 PPG, 41% 3PT) provides secondary scoring, facing Bridges (16.4 PPG), who’s been quiet but remains a versatile defender. Powell’s hot streak (20+ points in three straight) could stretch the floor.
Ivica Zubac (LAC) vs. Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK): Zubac (12.4 PPG, 9.1 RPG) anchors the paint against Towns (22.8 PPG, 11.2 RPG), whose outside shooting (39% 3PT) pulls bigs out. This could expose Clippers’ 22nd-ranked rebounding.
Bench notes: Clippers’ Terance Mann vs. Knicks’ Josh Hart for energy plays.
Series History
The Knicks lead the all-time regular-season series 74-67 in 141 games. In the last 10 meetings, New York is 6-4 SU, but the Clippers have won the last two, including a 126-113 victory in New York on March 26, 2025. Recent games average 229.5 total points, with the Clippers shooting better in wins (48.6% FG vs. 45.2%) and holding a slight rebounding edge (43.8 vs. 42.1). This season, they’ve yet to meet, making this the first of two matchups.
Betting Trends
Los Angeles: 16-19 ATS overall (7-9 ATS road); OVER in 6 of last 9 games; 2-0 ATS vs. Knicks in last 2; 5-5 ATS as underdogs.
New York: 20-16 ATS overall (11-7 ATS home); UNDER in 5 of last 8; 2-3 SU in last 5; 1-4 ATS in last 5; 4-1 ATS when favored by 6+.
| Category | Los Angeles | New York |
| ATS Overall | 16-19 | 20-16 |
| ATS Last 10 | 5-5 | 6-4 |
| O/U Overall | 18-17 | 17-19 |
| O/U Last 10 | 6-4 | 5-5 |
Game Odds
Los Angeles Clippers 223.5
New York Knicks – 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 6, 2026
