Knicks Face Trail Blazers in January 30 Showdown, 2026
The New York Knicks will face the Portland Trail Blazers on January 30, 2026, at Madison Square Garden. This matchup is their second and final meeting for the season.
Recent Performance
The Knicks, with a record of 29-18, are coming off a successful four-game winning streak. This marked a significant turnaround after experiencing two streaks of four consecutive losses earlier in the season. In their recent games, New York showcased strong performances, including a notable victory against the Brooklyn Nets, a challenge against the Philadelphia 76ers, and a decisive win over the Toronto Raptors.
Knicks Key Players
- Jalen Brunson: Averaging 27.6 points and six assists, he is currently ranked eighth in scoring in the NBA.
- Mikal Bridges: Contributed significantly with 30 points against Toronto, showcasing his improvement and commitment to team dynamics.
- Deni Avdija: An emerging star for the team, he scored 25 points in their last encounter with Portland but is dealing with a back injury.
Trail Blazers’ Struggles
The Blazers currently sit at 23-25 and are looking to end a three-game losing streak. They have faced challenges this season, ranking 18th in points scored per game with an average of 115.5 and 22nd in points allowed, giving up 117.4 per game.
Blazers Key Players
- Deni Avdija: Averaging 25.8 points (13th in the NBA), 7.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists.
- Rookie Donovan Clingan: Leads the team in rebounding with 11.2 rebounds per game, ranking second in the league.
- Shaedon Sharpe: Coming off a game with 31 points, he remains a consistent offensive threat.
Injury Reports
The Trail Blazers are dealing with injuries to several players with eight listed on their report. Avdija and Robert Williams III are game-time decisions. On the other side, Knicks players Josh Hart and Miles McBride are also uncertain due to ankle injuries, although Hart played well recently despite his injury.
Matchup Expectations
With a strong home-court advantage, the Knicks are favored to win this matchup, with ESPN giving them a 75% chance of victory. The Knicks will aim to secure another win and maintain their momentum in the tightly contested Eastern Conference.
This exciting showdown is set to begin at 7:30 PM ET at Madison Square Garden, promising an exhilarating evening for both teams and their fans.
