The Los Angeles Lakers (29-18) face the New York Knicks (30-18) in a high-profile interconference clash at Madison Square Garden. Both teams enter as top contenders in their conferences, with the Lakers riding a strong road performance and the Knicks on a five-game win streak. This nationally televised game on NBC/Peacock could feature star matchups like Luka Dončić versus Jalen Brunson, potentially impacted by injuries to key role players. The Lakers aim to build on their recent blowout win, while the Knicks look to extend their home dominance.
Venue Location
Madison Square Garden
New York, NY
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET
Recent Team Forms
Both teams are in strong form, with the Knicks on a hot streak and the Lakers showing road resilience.
Los Angeles Lakers (6-4 in last 10 games, won 1 of last 2):
The Lakers average 116.5 PPG in their last 10, allowing 116.5 PPG (even margin). They’ve shot 49.8% from the field with solid rebounding. Recent results:
Jan 30: W 142-111 @ WAS (61.2% FG, 13 TO)
Jan 28: L 99-129 @ CLE (38.1% FG, 16 TO)
Jan 26: W 129-118 @ CHI (56.1% FG, 8 TO)
Jan 24: W 116-110 @ DAL (44.4% FG, 16 TO)
Jan 22: L 108-122 vs POR
Overall, Los Angeles ranks 14th in PPG (116.5) and 18th in RPG (41.4), with a defense allowing 116.5 PPG (20th).
New York Knicks (8-2 in last 10 games, on 5-game win streak):
The Knicks average 117.7 PPG in their last 10, allowing 112.3 PPG (positive margin of +5.4). They’ve shot 47% from the field with elite rebounding. Recent results:
Jan 30: W 127-97 vs POR (50.6% FG, 12 TO)
Jan 28: W 119-92 @ TOR (47.8% FG, 9 TO)
Jan 27: W 103-87 vs SAC (45.2% FG, 17 TO)
Jan 24: W 112-109 @ PHI (44.4% FG, 6 TO)
Jan 22: W 119-130 vs PHI (OT)
Overall, New York ranks 8th in PPG (117.7) and 4th in RPG (46.3), with a defense holding opponents to 112.3 PPG (7th).
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers:
Bronny James (G): Questionable – Left Lower Leg Soreness
Austin Reaves (G): Questionable – Left Calf Strain
Adou Thiero (F): Out – Right MCL Sprain
New York Knicks:
Pacome Dadiet (F): Questionable – G League (On Assignment)
Trey Jemison III (C): Questionable – G League (Two-Way)
Miles McBride (G): Out – Left Ankle Injury Management
Kevin McCullar Jr. (G): Questionable – G League (Two-Way)
Key
Player Matchups
Injuries to Reaves and McBride could shift backcourt dynamics, emphasizing star forwards and guards. New York’s rebounding edge (46.3 RPG) may prove decisive against L.A.’s perimeter focus.
Luka Dončić (LAL) vs. Jalen Brunson (NYK): Dončić (33.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 8.8 APG) leads the league in scoring and will test Brunson’s defense (27.6 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 5.9 APG). Brunson must limit Dončić’s playmaking while exploiting mismatches.
LeBron James (LAL) vs. OG Anunoby (NYK): James (20.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 7.1 APG) brings versatility; Anunoby (16.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.8 SPG) is a defensive anchor who could contain James’ drives.
Deandre Ayton (LAL) vs. Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK): Ayton (13.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG) anchors the paint; Towns (20.0 PPG, 11.8 RPG) stretches the floor (36.1% 3PT) and could pull Ayton out.
Marcus Smart (LAL) vs. Mikal Bridges (NYK): Smart (defensive specialist) faces Bridges (15.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.5 SPG), in a battle of versatile wings.
The Knicks’ bench, including Josh Hart and Precious Achiuwa, may overwhelm L.A.’s if Reaves is limited.
Series History
The Lakers hold a commanding all-time edge at 175-126 against the Knicks (including variants). In recent matchups, Los Angeles averages 107.9 PPG while New York scores 103.8 PPG.
Recent games:
Mar 6, 2025: Knicks 109-113 Lakers (LAL won at home)
Feb 3, 2024: Lakers 113-105 Knicks (LAL won at NYK)
Jan 31, 2024: Knicks 118-126 Lakers (LAL won on road)
Feb 5, 2023: Lakers 129-123 Knicks (LAL won OT at NYK)
Jan 31, 2023: Knicks 129-123 Lakers (NYK won OT at NYK)
Los Angeles has won 6 of the last 10, including three straight.
Betting Trends
New York is 24-23-1 ATS this season (19-6 ATS at home), while Los Angeles is 25-22 ATS (17-10 ATS on road). The Knicks’ games hit the over 48% of the time (23/48), and combined, these teams average 234.2 PPG (exceeding the total by 4.7). However, with potential absences, recent unders trend—Lakers 5-5 O/U last 10; Knicks 6-4 O/U last 10. New York is 8-2 ATS in last 10; Los Angeles is 6-4 ATS in last 10.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Lakers 229.5
New York Knicks – 4.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 31, 2026
