New York Knicks: Full regular season schedule predictions
New York Knicks — January: Withstanding the trial
Sunday, January 2, 3:30 p.m. – at Toronto
I’ve been fairly harsh on Toronto to this point with the Knicks taking the first two meetings between these two. While they might not be the same team as they have been, Pascal Siakam and Fred Van Vleet are two very capable players. Likewise, by this point in the season, we should see a brand new Scottie Barnes compared to his first two months as a rookie in the NBA
Knicks record: 21-16
Tuesday, January 4, 7:30 p.m. – vs Indiana
This is the last of four meetings between New York and Indiana and yet again I’m favoring the Knicks. Indiana’s bench needs a lot of work and while their starters can win them games, it’s not going to work against a New York bench that has plenty of options at each position.
Knicks record: 22-16
Thursday, January 6, 7:30 p.m. – vs Boston
If you haven’t caught on to my theme for the month you will pretty soon. Whereas December gave the Knicks 11 games against teams not in the playoffs last season, January won’t be as kind. It’s not a brutal schedule, but it’s certainly going to test the mid-season form of these New York Knicks. I do like them at home versus the Celtics.
Knicks record: 23-16
Saturday, January 8, 7:30 p.m. – at Boston
Back to backs against the same team are never a walk in the park. Add on the fact that Boston is a quality team with a budding – if not already there – superstar in Jayson Tatum. It’s also not easy beating a rival twice and this season with the transactions that placed two former Celtics in New York City, Boston is going to lay it all out for these home wins.
Knicks record: 23-17
Monday, January 10, 7:30 p.m. – vs San Antonio
Congratulation! You’ve now reached the mid-point of this article, AKA, the mid-point of the season for the New York Knicks. A game against San Antonio is about as bland as it gets and likely when Gregg Popovich catches New York off guard. Don’t let those early close calls for Team USA fool you, Popovich is an elite coach and doesn’t take a game off, even on January 10th.
Knicks record: 23-18
Wednesday, January 12, 7:30 p.m. – vs Dallas
Luka Doncic has been very much so under the radar this summer, apart from his domination in a few Olympic games. That is going to be so far from the opposite this season. Doncic is arguably the most skilled player in the NBA and many superstars have career years after the Olympics. Even though this game is at home, it’s going to be the Mavericks who leave with a win.
Knicks record: 23-19
Saturday, January 15, 7:30 p.m. – at Atlanta
With the New York Knicks winning an important battle on Christmas Day, the two enemy teams from last season’s playoffs are going to have at it again in “THE A” (Trae Young reference). This game seems all too much a Hawks win, but don’t lose hope Knicks fans, you’re still three games above .500.
Knicks record: 23-20
Monday, January 17, 1:00 p.m. – vs Charlotte
The New York Knicks will host an afternoon game on Martin Luther King Jr. Day against the Charlotte Hornets. The youth of the Hornets could be a problem throughout the season and you have to question the stability of Gordon Hayward at this point. It’s impossible to predict injuries, but it’s important to keep in mind, especially a few months in when wear and tear begin to affect every team.
Knicks record: 24-20
Tuesday, January 18, 7:30 p.m. – vs Minnesota
Some teams are just going to be Achilles’ heel for virtually no reason other than odd scheduling. The first time these two play will be after a hard-fought Knicks and Hawks matchup. This time, New York draws the ‘Wolves with no day off. Despite my negativity, the Knicks are the better team and with the game on Monday being an early start, should have enough time to rest and repeat.
Knicks record: 25-20
Thursday, January 20, 7:30 p.m. – vs New Orleans
I’d like to take this moment to ask why 7:30? Why not 7 or 8 p.m. start times? Is it really that big of a deal for professional teams to have that 30-minute window? Whatever time this game is played, it’s going to always be about Zion Williamson versus R.J. Barrett. Similar to the Pacers, the Pelicans’ bench doesn’t blow me away and I see that being the ultimate difference-maker.
Knicks record: 26-20
Sunday, January 23, 1:00 p.m. – vs Los Angeles Clippers
New York has some long waits before facing some teams for the first time all season and the Clippers are one of them. This is the third of eight consecutive road games for this Los Angeles team and the tail end of a difficult three-game stretch where they will first see Denver and Philadelphia. The Clips are another team with injury concerns but as long as they aren’t serious and if Kawhi Leonard is back by this point in the season, I see the Knicks bowing to L.A.
Knicks record: 26-21
Monday, January 24, 7:00 p.m. – at Cleveland
Even though it’s a back-to-back, it’s a game where the New York Knicks will be the clear favorites. There’s a great possibility that one of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland will be traded away by this point in the season. Evan Mobley might be the focal point and that’s a matchup almost every NBA team will love until the Cavs can put together a better roster.
Knicks record: 27-21
Wednesday, January 26, 7:30 p.m. – at Miami
The Heat have one of the most complete teams in the Eastern Conference, after adding Kyle Lowry to the starting bunch and filling the bench with some veteran forwards. Games at Miami can be tough to win and I like the Heat to win at least 50 games this season. New York will have to wait a month before they get them at home.
Knicks record: 27-22
Friday, January 28, 10:00 p.m. – at Milwaukee
This is the last of a very odd road trip that features two games against teams near the Great Lakes with Miami in between. ESPN will broadcast this affair and I can’t see it going any other way but resulting in a Bucks win. Milwaukee’s previous games are against Sacramento and Cleveland, so by this point, they’re probably clicking tremendously.
Knicks record: 27-23
Monday, January 31, 7:30 p.m. – vs Sacramento
Some home games don’t need much more explanation other than a very good team taking on a poorly run franchise. Need more of a reason? Sacramento’s previous four games are at Milwaukee, Boston, Atlanta and Philadelphia. Good luck, Kings!
Knicks record: 28-23