Tonight, the Knicks (48*-28) visit the Memphis Grizzlies (25-50) at FedExForum. New York sits third in the Eastern Conference and has already clinched a playoff berth, but the Cavs are nipping at New York’s heels, so every win matters as the Knicks try to solidify their positioning. Memphis, meanwhile, owns one of the worst records in the league and sits near the bottom of the Western Conference; they’ve been especially poor at home. Our heroes may be fatigued on the second night of a back-to-back
following a lackluster loss in Houston, but they should be able to beat these banged-up Bears with one hand tied behind their backs and their shoes untied.
The teams last met on November 11 in New York, where the Knicks pulled out a 133-120 victory. Jalen Brunson led the way with 32 points in that matchup.
The Grizzlies score around 115 points per game while allowing about 119. Their defense ranks 22nd and their offense is 23rd. They play fast, at least.
Key contributors for Memphis include whoever is left standing on this injury-decimated team. Basketball-Reference lists 10 guys on their injury report, including a bunch out for the season: Santi Aldama, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Clarke, Zach Edey, Ja Morant, Scotty Pippen, Jr., and Jaylen Wells. They also list Ty Jerome OUT for tonight’s tilt, while Taj (still playing!) Gibson and Taylor Hendricks are day-to-day.
On New York’s injury front, Landry Shamet remains OUT with a right knee contusion.
In their last game, a loss to Phoenix, coach Thomas Lisalo started Jahmai Mashack, Cedric Coward, Cam Spencer, Hendricks, and GG Jackson II. Quite a murderer’s row! Tyler Burton led them with 17 points off the bench.
Prediction
ESPN gives the Knicks an 81% chance. They’d better. Despite the recent skid and back-to-back, New York’s superior talent, experience, and playoff motivation should prevail against a patched-together Memphis squad. If they lose this one, Mike Brown might not have a job by the time the plane home touches down. Knicks by 15.
Game Details
Who: New York Knicks (48*-28) at Memphis Grizzlies (25-50)
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Time: 8 PM ET
Place: FedExForum, Memphis, TN
TV: MSG
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
* Should be one more, but the NBA Cup wins don’t float.
