NBA Game Preview: Portland Trail Blazers (23-25) vs. New York Knicks (29-18)

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The Portland Trail Blazers wrap up a challenging three-game East Coast road trip against the surging New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Blazers, ninth in the Western Conference, are mired in a three-game losing streak and have struggled away from home, while the Knicks, second in the Eastern Conference, ride a four-game winning streak fueled by strong defense and balanced scoring. This rematch of their January 11 encounter—where New York prevailed 123-114—pits Portland’s youthful athleticism against the Knicks’ veteran experience and home-court dominance.

Venue Location

Madison Square Garden
New York, NY
Capacity: ~19,812
Known as “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” MSG has hosted the Knicks since 1968 and often delivers an electric atmosphere for high-profile matchups.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
TV: KUNP (Blazers broadcast), MSG (Knicks broadcast)
Streaming: NBA League Pass
This evening tip-off gives the Knicks a rest advantage after their recent road win, while Portland battles fatigue from back-to-back East Coast games.

Portland has been competitive in the West but hampered by injuries, while New York’s strong home record (18-6) underscores their playoff contender status.

Recent Team Forms

The Blazers are 5-5 in their last 10, but a three-game skid has exposed defensive issues, allowing 109 PPG in losses. The Knicks are 6-4 in their last 10, with a four-game win streak highlighting improved efficiency (holding opponents under 95 PPG recently).

Blazers Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScore
Jan 27, 2026@ Washington WizardsL111-115
Jan 26, 2026@ Boston CelticsL94-102
Jan 23, 2026vs Toronto RaptorsL98-110
Jan 22, 2026vs Miami HeatW127-110
Jan 20, 2026@ Sacramento KingsW117-110

Portland’s losses feature poor shooting (under 42% FG in two) and rebounding deficits, but wins show offensive potential (127 PPG average).

Knicks Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScore
Jan 28, 2026@ Toronto RaptorsW119-92
Jan 27, 2026vs Sacramento KingsW103-87
Jan 24, 2026@ Philadelphia 76ersW112-109
Jan 21, 2026vs Brooklyn NetsW120-66
Jan 19, 2026vs Dallas MavericksL97-114

New York’s streak includes a franchise-record 54-point win over Brooklyn, with dominant defense (87 PPG allowed) and balanced scoring.

Injury Report

Blazers:

Deni Avdija (F): Questionable – Low back strain

Robert Williams III (C): Questionable – Left knee injury management

Scoot Henderson (G): Out – Left hamstring tear

Matisse Thybulle (G/F): Out – Right knee tendinopathy

Kris Murray (F): Out – Lumbar strain

Duop Reath (C): Out – Right foot stress fracture

Blake Wesley (G): Out – Right foot fracture

Portland’s depth is tested, with key defenders and playmakers sidelined, forcing reliance on Donovan Clingan and Toumani Camara.

Knicks:

Josh Hart (G/F): Questionable – Right ankle soreness

Miles McBride (G): Questionable – Left ankle sprain

Pacome Dadiet (G): Questionable – G League assignment

Mitchell Robinson (C): Probable – Not listed after recent absence (ankle management)

New York’s backcourt could be thinned, but core stars like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are healthy.

Key

Player Matchups

This game features battles between New York’s efficient scorers and Portland’s defensive length:

Jalen Brunson (NYK) vs. Jrue Holiday (POR): Brunson’s scoring (26+ PPG recently) vs. Holiday’s elite defense (1.5+ SPG). Brunson torched Portland for 26 in their last meeting.

Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK) vs. Donovan Clingan (POR): Towns’ inside-out game (20-11 double-doubles) vs. Clingan’s rim protection (rookie averaging blocks).

OG Anunoby (NYK) vs. Toumani Camara (POR): Anunoby’s two-way play (24 PPG in wins) vs. Camara’s versatility on the wing.

Mikal Bridges (NYK) vs. Shaedon Sharpe (POR): Bridges’ efficiency (18 PPG, 6 AST) vs. Sharpe’s athleticism and scoring bursts.

Bench: Knicks’ depth vs. Blazers’ youth: New York ranks top-10 in bench scoring, while Portland’s reserves struggle with injuries.

Projected starters: Blazers – Holiday, Sharpe, Camara, Avdija (if available), Clingan; Knicks – Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, Hart (if available), Towns.

Series History

Portland leads the all-time series 70-56. Recent dominance favors New York: Last 5 meetings: Knicks 5-0 (average margin: +14.8 points). Last 10: Knicks 8-2. Last 20: Knicks 12-8. Most recent (Jan 11, 2026): Knicks 123-114 win (Brunson 26 PTS) Streak: Knicks won 6 straight, covering ATS in 4 of 5. Games often trend under recently (4 of last 5 under 230 points).

Betting Trends

Knicks: 25-22 ATS overall; 12-12 ATS at home; 4-1 ATS in last 5; OVER in 3 of last 5 home games. Blazers: 22-26 ATS overall; 11-12 ATS on road; 2-3 ATS as 7+ underdogs; UNDER in 6 of last 10. Head-to-Head: Knicks 5-0 SU/ATS in last 5; UNDER in 4 of last 5 (avg. total: 222 points). Public betting: 65% on Knicks to cover; 54% on UNDER.

Game Odds

Portland Trail Blazers     224.5   

New York Knicks               – 7.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 29, 2026

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