| Matchup | Phoenix Suns at New York Knicks |
|---|---|
| Date | 2026-01-17 |
| Time | 7:30 PM ET |
| TV/Stream | Official broadcaster listings (TBA) |
| Venue | Madison Square Garden — New York, NY |
Phoenix Suns vs New York Knicks Prediction & Preview — 2026-01-17
Key Takeaways
- The Phoenix Suns are expected to leverage their perimeter shooting against the Knicks’ mid-range focus.
- Expect the Knicks to exploit their size advantage in the paint, potentially dominating the rebounding battle.
- The Suns’ reliance on spacing and three-point shot creation could dictate the game’s pace and rhythm.
- Defensive adjustments, including whether the Knicks switch or hedge pick-and-rolls, will be pivotal.
- This matchup offers intriguing angles for prop bettors; check the latest NBA cheat sheets for player performance insights.
TL;DR
- The Suns’ three-point shooting and pace versus the Knicks’ interior play will define the contest. New York’s defensive adjustments could tilt the game. Projected score is 112–108 New York Knicks; their home-court edge and rebounding prowess are key factors.
Where This Game Tilts
- The Suns’ perimeter offense is top-tier, influencing their game plan against interior-focused teams.
- New York’s defense is improving, especially in guarding the pick-and-roll, which could stifle Phoenix’s rhythm.
- Phoenix has a higher turnover rate, which the Knicks could exploit for transition opportunities.
- The Knicks are strong in rebounding, giving them second-chance opportunities against Phoenix’s smaller lineups.
- Expect Phoenix to push the pace, but New York may slow it down with half-court sets to control tempo.
Recent Form & Styles
The Phoenix Suns have been playing at a brisk pace, relying heavily on their three-point shooting to stretch defenses. Their offensive scheme thrives on pick-and-rolls to create open perimeter looks, though their turnover issues have occasionally hampered their efficiency. Defensively, they often opt for switching schemes, which can leave them vulnerable inside against physically dominant teams.
The New York Knicks, conversely, prefer a more methodical approach, emphasizing mid-range shots and post play. Their defensive system prioritizes protecting the paint, often using drop coverages to deter drives. However, they have shown weaknesses against teams that can effectively space the floor and shoot from deep, a potential issue against the Suns.
Key Matchups
A critical matchup will be the Suns’ backcourt against the Knicks’ perimeter defense. Phoenix’s guards excel in creating off the dribble, but they’ll face a New York team known for solid on-ball defense. This battle will influence how effectively the Suns can generate their desired looks from beyond the arc.
For updated prop angles and practice bets, visit our NBA player props predictions page.
| Player Name | Prediction | Line | Trends | Last 15 Games Chart | Team | NBA Game Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Player Name MarcusSmart | Prediction Over | Line 2.5 | Trends 2.55 | Last 15 Games Chart 2.5 Over hit 10/15 | Team LosAngelesLakers | NBA Game Date 02-12 10:10 PM ET |
| Player Name MarcusSmart | Prediction Over | Line 13.5 | Trends 13.15 | Last 15 Games Chart 13.5 Over hit 8/15 | Team LosAngelesLakers | NBA Game Date 02-12 10:10 PM ET |
| Player Name MarcusSmart | Prediction Over | Line 13.5 | Trends 12.5 | Last 15 Games Chart 13.5 Over hit 7/15 | Team LosAngelesLakers | NBA Game Date 02-12 10:10 PM ET |
| Player Name MarcusSmart | Prediction Over | Line 15.5 | Trends 15.7 | Last 15 Games Chart 15.5 Over hit 9/15 | Team LosAngelesLakers | NBA Game Date 02-12 10:10 PM ET |
| Player Name MarcusSmart | Prediction Over | Line 1.5 | Trends 1.55 | Last 15 Games Chart 1.5 Over hit 7/15 | Team LosAngelesLakers | NBA Game Date 02-12 10:10 PM ET |
| Player Name MarcusSmart | Prediction Over | Line 5.5 | Trends 5.75 | Last 15 Games Chart 5.5 Over hit 7/15 | Team LosAngelesLakers | NBA Game Date 02-12 10:10 PM ET |
Player Name MaxChristie | Prediction Under | Line 2.5 | Trends 2.8 | Last 15 Games Chart 2.5 Under hit 7/15 | Team DallasMavericks | NBA Game Date 02-12 10:10 PM ET |
| Player Name MaxChristie | Prediction Over | Line 2.5 | Trends 3.8 | Last 15 Games Chart 2.5 Over hit 11/15 | Team DallasMavericks | NBA Game Date 02-12 10:10 PM ET |
| Player Name MaxChristie | Prediction Under | Line 2.5 | Trends 2.65 | Last 15 Games Chart 2.5 Under hit 8/15 | Team DallasMavericks | NBA Game Date 02-12 10:10 PM ET |
| Player Name MaxChristie | Prediction Under | Line 19.5 | Trends 22.3 | Last 15 Games Chart 19.5 Under hit 8/15 | Team DallasMavericks | NBA Game Date 02-12 10:10 PM ET |
| Player Name MaxChristie | Prediction Under | Line 16.5 | Trends 18.5 | Last 15 Games Chart 16.5 Under hit 8/15 | Team DallasMavericks | NBA Game Date 02-12 10:10 PM ET |
| Player Name MaxChristie | Prediction Under | Line 12.5 | Trends 15.7 | Last 15 Games Chart 12.5 Under hit 7/15 | Team DallasMavericks | NBA Game Date 02-12 10:10 PM ET |
| Player Name MaxChristie | Prediction Under | Line 17.5 | Trends 19.5 | Last 15 Games Chart 17.5 Under hit 8/15 | Team DallasMavericks | NBA Game Date 02-12 10:10 PM ET |
| Player Name MaxChristie | Prediction Over | Line 4.5 | Trends 6.6 | Last 15 Games Chart 4.5 Over hit 14/15 | Team DallasMavericks | NBA Game Date 02-12 10:10 PM ET |
Player Name MylesTurner | Prediction Under | Line 16.5 | Trends 19.15 | Last 15 Games Chart 16.5 Under hit 5/15 | Team MilwaukeeBucks | NBA Game Date 02-12 07:40 PM ET |
On the wings, the Knicks’ size and strength will test the Suns’ ability to defend without fouling. New York’s forwards are adept at exploiting mismatches, particularly if Phoenix switches excessively on defense. The interior clash between the Knicks’ proficient post players and the Suns’ rim protectors will also be a focal point, potentially tipping the rebounding balance.
Props Angles
Consider looking at props for Suns’ shooters, as the Knicks’ defensive focus on the paint may leave opportunities beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Knicks’ rebounders could see their numbers swell given Phoenix’s smaller lineup tendencies. For those interested in player props, updates and insights can be found in the NBA player props predictions section, which is regularly refreshed with game-day data.
Venue, Travel & Weather Watch
Madison Square Garden provides the Knicks a significant home-court advantage, known for its energetic crowd and historic atmosphere. Both teams come into this game without the strain of a back-to-back, allowing them to be well-rested. While winter weather could affect travel, it is unlikely to impact the game itself, which is played indoors.
How to Watch
- Date: 2026-01-17
- Time: 7:30 PM ET
- TV/Stream: Official broadcaster listings (TBA)
- Venue: Madison Square Garden — New York, NY
Methodology & Transparency
Our approach combines contextual analysis and matchup modeling, focusing on playing styles and recent performances. We avoid guarantees, recognizing the inherent variability in sports outcomes. Xaslarbet updates game-day prop snapshots and cheat sheets daily to provide bettors with the latest insights.
FAQ
- How do I read the “Last 15 Games” chart/table? Look for trends in shooting efficiency, pace, and defensive performance to gauge current form.
- Where can I find the full NBA slate? Visit the NBA’s official website or your preferred sports app for a comprehensive schedule.
- Is this game available for streaming? Yes, check your streaming service for availability, as it’s listed under multiple platforms.
Responsible Wagering Note
- Always wager responsibly, keeping in mind your financial limits.
Pick & Score
- Projected score: 112–108 New York Knicks. Confidence in this pick is moderate to high, given New York’s home-court advantage and rebounding strength. Their ability to counter Phoenix’s perimeter-focused attack will be crucial in securing a victory.
