This is a little late, folks. If the delay has caused you to not properly plan your Knicks-related TV-watching time, forgive me. I can relate to the struggle for the living room’s boob tube. ESPN.com sets the odds of me watching an entire day’s worth of the Twilight Zone marathon at 26%.
Monday, Dec 29 @ New Orleans Pelicans – 8:00 PM (MSG)
The Knicks (22-9) look to stay hot on the road as they visit a struggling Pelicans squad (8-25) at the Smoothie King Center. What do you think: is that the worst name for an arena? I smell a poll (…not a pole, wiseass).
New York has won eight of their last ten games and ranks third in the league in scoring at 120.5 PPG. The Pelicans? Woof. New head coach James Borrego hasn’t turned things around since replacing Willie Green, who was fired after a dismal 2-10 start. The last-place Pels struggle across the board—they rank 28th in defensive efficiency despite leading the league in steals—and two of their leading scorers, Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole, now come off the bench. This should be an excellent opportunity for the Knicks to take a huge lead early and then let the youngsters get in some reps. Watch it tonight on MSG.
Wednesday, Dec 31 @ San Antonio Spurs – 7:00 PM (MSG)
Much to the chagrin of Mrs. Richardson and her New Year’s plans, the Knicks close out 2025 in San Antonio against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. In this rematch of the Emirates NBA Cup game—which New York won, by the way—the Thunder Killers will be looking for revenge. Powered by Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, and Devin Vassell, these post-Popovich Spurs sit second in the west, trailing the team they’ve beaten thrice. Fun fact: the Timberwolves and Sixers are the only other teams to defeat OKC this season.
Playing the third game of a short road trip, the Knicks will need major effort across the board to beat these dudes a second time. Game’s on MSG.
Friday, Jan 2 vs Atlanta Hawks – 7:30 PM (MSG)
The Knicks return home to MSG for their first game of 2026 against Trae Young and the Hawks. Get your boos ready. New York already beat Atlanta once this week (128-125) in a thriller, so the Hawks will be looking for revenge. The Knicks are nearly unbeatable at home (15-2), and we’re not counting on Onyeka Okongwu hitting 6-of-10 from deep again. Watch this on MSG.
Saturday, Jan 3 vs Philadelphia 76ers – 7:30 PM (MSG)
An Atlantic Division showdown to cap the week. The 76ers have been inconsistent despite Tyrese Maxey making all All-Star bid, VJ Edgecombe vying for Rookie of the Year, and Joel Embiid actually playing 13 games. When they squared off on December 19, Philly outscored the Knicks 28-20 in the fourth quarter to win 116-107. That was the second loss of the season at MSG. Expect New York to right that wrong on Saturday. My schedule says it will be on MSG.
Enjoy the week and Happy New Year’s, Knicks fans.
