The New York Knicks, holding strong in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt with a balanced attack led by their star core, travel west to face the Portland Trail Blazers, who are fighting to stay above .500 amid a rash of injuries. This interconference matchup could see the Knicks exploit Portland’s depleted roster, particularly in the frontcourt, while the Blazers aim to leverage home energy and perimeter shooting to pull off an upset. Below is a detailed analysis of the key aspects for this game.
Venue Location
The game will be played at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. This arena, with a capacity of about 19,393, is the home of the Trail Blazers and features a lively atmosphere, especially for weekend afternoon games.
Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM ET (3:00 PM PT local time). The game will be broadcast on MSG (Knicks feed) and KUNP (Blazers feed), with radio coverage on ESPN New York 880 and Rip City Radio 620. Streaming is available via NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
The Blazers are hit hard by injuries, missing several starters and key contributors, which could severely impact their depth. The Knicks are relatively healthier but monitoring a few veterans. Reports are based on the latest updates as of January 10, 2026.
New York Knicks:
Josh Hart (SF): Questionable – Right ankle sprain. Upgraded recently and could return after missing eight games.
Landry Shamet (SG): Out – Right shoulder dislocation. Sidelined and not traveling with the team.
Guerschon Yabusele (PF): Questionable – Right quad contusion. Game-time decision.
The Knicks’ wing rotation could be thin if Hart and Yabusele sit, but their core remains intact.
Portland Trail Blazers:
Deandre Ayton (C): Out – Illness. Key absence in the paint.
Toumani Camara (SF): Out – Left knee sprain.
Donovan Clingan (C): Out – Left knee sprain. Rookie big man sidelined.
Jerami Grant (PF): Out – Right Achilles tendinopathy.
Scoot Henderson (PG): Out – Left hamstring strain.
Jrue Holiday (PG): Questionable – Right knee contusion. May play, providing a boost if available.
Damian Lillard (PG): Out – Right Achilles tendinopathy.
Matisse Thybulle (SF): Out – Right ankle sprain.
Kris Murray (F): Day-to-day – Back. Out for recent games but could return.
Robert Williams III (C): Game-time decision – Knee.
Portland’s backcourt and frontcourt are decimated, likely forcing heavy minutes on Anfernee Simons and Deni Avdija.
Key Player Matchups
Injuries will force adjustments, but the Knicks’ experience could dominate. Portland’s youth might create mismatches in transition.
Jalen Brunson (Knicks PG) vs. Anfernee Simons (Blazers PG): Brunson’s crafty scoring and playmaking against Simons’ explosive athleticism. With Holiday questionable and Henderson/Lillard out, Simons handles primary duties, but Brunson’s efficiency could wear him down.
Julius Randle (Knicks PF) vs. Deni Avdija (Blazers SF/PF): Randle’s physicality and scoring versatility vs. Avdija’s defense. Without Grant, Avdija may slide up, but Randle could exploit inside.
OG Anunoby (Knicks SF) vs. Shaedon Sharpe (Blazers SG): Anunoby’s elite defense against Sharpe’s slashing. This perimeter battle could limit Portland’s outside threats.
Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks C) vs. Robert Williams III (Blazers C, if available) or Duop Reath: Towns’ spacing and scoring vs. Williams’ rim protection. With Ayton and Clingan out, Towns has a clear edge in the paint.
The Knicks’ frontcourt depth gives them advantages, especially if Hart returns for defensive versatility.
Recent Team Forms
New York Knicks: The Knicks have been solid, going 6-4 in their last 10 games, including a recent 123-111 win over the Clippers on January 7 to snap a four-game skid. They’ve shown resilience with strong second halves, averaging high scoring in wins. Last 5: W-L-L-L-L (mixed, but rebounding).
Portland Trail Blazers: The Blazers are 5-5 in their last 10, with a 103-102 win over Houston on January 9 highlighting close-game grit. They’ve won four of five recently, including against strong teams like Boston, but injuries have led to inconsistencies. Last 5: W-W-L-W-W.
Series History
All-time, the Portland Trail Blazers lead the New York Knicks 70-55 in 125 regular-season games. Since 2005, Portland holds a 27-16 edge in 43 meetings. Recently, the Knicks have won 4 of the last 5 head-to-heads, including strong performances in Portland. At Moda Center, the Blazers have a historical advantage, but New York’s stars have flipped recent trends.
Betting Trends
Trends lean over, with Knicks games hitting over in 10 of last 15 and Blazers in high-scoring affairs at home.
Knicks are 2-11 ATS in last 13 games overall but 4-1 ATS when favored by 4-6 points. Blazers are 5-5 ATS in last 10, covering more at home (6-4). Head-to-head, the over has hit in 3 of last 5.
Game Odds
New York Knicks – 4.5
Portland Trail Blazers 232.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 10, 2026
