The New York Knicks travel to Phoenix to face the Suns in a cross-conference clash, with the Knicks looking to build on a recent win after a four-game skid, while the Suns aim for their fifth straight home victory. New York, second in the Eastern Conference, has shown resilience with strong scoring from Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, but injuries could test their depth. Phoenix, seventh in the West, relies on Devin Booker’s scoring and a balanced attack, seeking to capitalize on home-court advantage amid their own injury concerns.
Venue Location
Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona, home of the Phoenix Suns. The indoor arena seats over 18,000 and is known for its high-altitude effects, which can fatigue visiting teams.
Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. MST / 8:00 p.m. CT). The game will be broadcast on MSG and Altitude Sports.
Injury Report
Both teams are managing key absences, potentially shifting strategies toward bench production.
New York Knicks
Out: Josh Hart (right ankle sprain), Landry Shamet (right shoulder sprain), Trey Jemison III (G League – two-way).
Questionable: None reported.
Hart’s absence thins the wing rotation, forcing more reliance on Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby for perimeter defense. Shamet’s shooting could be missed in spacing the floor.
Phoenix Suns
Out: Jalen Green (right hamstring strain), Jamaree Bouyea (concussion protocol).
Questionable: None reported.
Green’s scoring off the bench is a loss, and Bouyea’s absence limits guard depth. The Suns will lean on Devin Booker and Grayson Allen to handle the backcourt load.
Key Player Matchups
This game could be decided by guard play and interior battles, with both teams emphasizing perimeter shooting.
Jalen Brunson (NYK) vs. Devin Booker (PHX): Brunson (averaging 25+ PPG) brings crafty scoring and playmaking. Booker (28+ PPG) must exploit mismatches with his mid-range game and three-point shooting.
Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK) vs. Jusuf Nurkic (PHX): Towns (20+ PPG, 10+ RPG) provides spacing with his outside shot. Nurkic must contain him inside while contributing rebounds (9+ RPG).
Mikal Bridges (NYK) vs. Bradley Beal (PHX): Bridges’ defense could limit Beal’s scoring bursts. Beal needs to attack off the dribble to open lanes.
OG Anunoby (NYK) vs. Kevin Durant (PHX): Anunoby’s versatility defends Durant, who averages 25+ PPG with elite efficiency.
Recent Team Forms
New York Knicks
The Knicks are 6-4 in their last 10, rebounding from a four-game losing streak with a win over the Clippers. They’ve averaged 118.3 PPG while allowing 120.8, showing offensive firepower but defensive lapses. Key games: W 123-111 vs. LAC (Jan 7), L 90-121 @ DET (Jan 5), L 119-130 vs. PHI (Jan 3), L 99-111 vs. ATL (Jan 2), W 134-117 @ TOR (Dec 31).
Phoenix Suns
The Suns are 7-3 in their last 10, with a strong 9-1 ATS mark. They’ve averaged 118.5 PPG, holding foes to 112.4. Recent form: W 117-98 @ MEM (Jan 7), L 97-100 @ HOU (Jan 5), W 108-105 vs. OKC (Jan 4), W 129-102 vs. SAC (Jan 2), L 113-129 @ CLE (Dec 31).
Series History
The Suns hold a slight all-time edge at 72-68 in 140 regular-season meetings. However, the Knicks have won the last three encounters, including 112-98 on April 6, 2025, and 138-122 on November 20, 2024. Phoenix’s last victory was in 2023. No playoff history between the teams.
Betting Trends
New York Knicks: 19-17-1 ATS overall (52.8% cover rate), 8-9 ATS on the road. The over has hit in 20 of 37 games (54.1%). Knicks are 4-6 ATS in their last 10 as favorites.
Phoenix Suns: 25-12 ATS overall (67.6%), 12-4-1 ATS at home. The over has hit in 24 of 37 games (64.9%). Suns are 7-3 ATS in their last 10, including 5-0 as home favorites.
Head-to-head, the Suns are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 vs. New York, but the Knicks have won and covered the last three. Games have gone over in 7 of the last 10 meetings.
Game Odds
New York Knicks – 1.5
Phoenix Suns 228.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 8, 2026
