The New York Knicks (45*-25) face the Brooklyn Nets (17-52) tonight at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Over their last 10 games, the Knicks have gone 7-3, while the Nets have won twice (one against Detroit, one against Memphis). The last meeting between the Knicks and Nets came on January 21, 2026. The Knicks won, 120 to 66, on January 21, holding Brooklyn to the lowest single-game point total of the NBA season. Jalen Brunson led the team with 20 points.
The Nets have had a dismal season, ranking near
the bottom in most offensive categories. They sit last in points per game at 106.6 and offensive rating, with poor shooting efficiency including 44% from the field (30th). They rank 27th in both three-point accuracy (34%) and defensive rating. All adds up to: no bueno.
Michael Porter Jr. has been the Nets’ top scorer at 24.2 points per game and making 3.4 triples per game. He sat out of Wednesday’s game against the Thunder due to an ankle issue. Nic Claxton anchors the frontcourt with 11.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, while Noah Clowney provides 12.5 points and 4.1 rebounds.
The Nets have several players sidelined or doubtful for tonight’s tilt. Ben Saraf (foot), Noah Clowney (wrist), and Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) are game-time decisions, while Egor Demin (foot) and Day’Ron Sharpe (thumb) are out for the season. Tonight they are likely start rookie point guard Nolan Traoré (8.3 PPG, 3 AST) alongside Drake Powell, Danny Wolf, Clowney, and Claxton.
For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson is day-to-day and Miles McBride remains out.
Prediction
ESPN gives the Knicks an 88% chance to win. Did you expect any less? Unfortunately, our Knicks have a troubling tendency to play down to their opponents. They won’t tonight. Watch for New York to exert their dominance early, run up the score, and let the starters eat popcorn through most of the second half. Further, this is a prime opportunity to rest Brunson for a second game and let Jose Alvarado run the offense in the borough of his birth—and to let the bench guys air out their legs, showing us what they can do as the playoffs approach on the horizon. I’ll be attending my uncle’s funeral, but probably won’t miss anything interesting. Enjoy this Knicks win without me, fans. New York by a dozen.
Game Details
Who: New York Knicks (45*-25) at Brooklyn Nets (17-52)
Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Place: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
TV: MSG
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
* Should be one more, but NBA Cup wins smell funny.
