The New York Knicks will continue their road trip, but with a highly anticipated matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, Nov. 8.
Over nine months since that fateful day, on Jan. 31, the New York Knicks will face their would-be face of the franchise, Kristaps Porzingis. It comes against his new team, the Dallas Mavericks, on the road, while trying to snap out of an early-season funk.
The Knicks are just 1-7 entering this game, after losing to Andre Drummond and the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. It marked yet another disparaging night for a team already watching their season slip away.
The team will play without Mitchell Robinson, who suffered a concussion against Detroit. This exposes the glaring weakness of no backup center to the second-year man, given the glut of power forwards that are not defensive anchors or rim protectors. That could mean Julius Randle slides up to make this a small-ball lineup, rather than trying Bobby Portis at an uncomfortable spot.
Either way, the Knicks have the task of containing Porzingis and Luka Doncic, neither of which may be possible. They have combined for 45.7 points and 18 rebounds per game. Not being able to cover them will make this yet another long night for coach David Fizdale’s team, desperately needing a win after sluggish performances.
Frank Ntilikina could take the Doncic task, but it will be among his toughest defensive assignments yet. Can he hold up a fellow international talent?
New York’s best bet is stellar offensive performances from Randle and RJ Barrett. Both players simultaneously succeeding has been difficult, but as this team continues to adjust and gel with each other, they could find corresponding positive play sooner than later.
Knicks odds against Mavericks
Favorite: Mavericks (-11)
Over/under: 216.5
Moneyline: -700 Dallas/+500 New York
Odds courtesy of The Action Network. Displayed odds current as of Thursday at 11:00 p.m. ET.
How to watch
A look at the game information between the Knicks and the Mavericks is below, including the start time, TV info and alternate way to watch this matchup:
Date: Friday, Nov. 8
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Location: Dallas, TX
Venue: American Airlines Center
TV info: MSG, FSSW
Other: Fubo.tv has streaming options
This game is available to watch on FSSW and MSG in the Dallas and New York areas. Otherwise, viewers outside of these markets can view the action on Fubo and NBA League Pass. Price packages apply so see which one best suits your interests.