Knicks Game Tonight: Knicks vs Trail Blazers Odds, Starting Lineup, Injury Report, Predictions, TV Channel for Nov. 25
By James Ryder
The New York Knicks (9-9) will be welcoming the Portland Trail Blazers (10-8) to Madison Square Garden on Friday, Nov. 25. This game will be the first for each team since before Thanksgiving; the Knicks had three days off while the Blazers had the last two days off.
Each team is currently in different positions and has different aspirations despite how similar their record is. The Knicks are coming off a 129-119 win in Oklahoma City versus the Thunder and that victory capped off a successful road trip. New York went 3-2 in their five away games, all of which took place over the course of just eight days. The Knicks are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference, which is right around where many expect them to be at season’s end (play-in range).
On the other hand, the Trail Blazers have lost four games in a row after a stellar 9-3 start (they have lost five of their last six games). As long as they have All-Star Damian Lillard, Portland’s goal will be to contend and win a championship. However, it is unlikely that they will come very close to reaching the mountaintop. They aren’t in bad shape at the moment, as they sit in the ninth spot in the West, but that’s about as high as they will realistically be when the 2022-23 season concludes.
Portland’s latest loss came against the Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-96. They were crushed by the Cavs All-Star trio of Donovan Mitchell (34 points), Darius Garland (24 points, 12 assists), and Jarrett Allen (24 points, 13 rebounds).
Getting back to the Knicks’ win over the Thunder, New York saw another brilliant game from Jalen Brunson and finally got a strong performance from RJ Barrett. Brunson’s stat line was 34 points and nine assists while shooting 14-of-20 from the field (he was 13-of-14 on two-point shots). Barrett scored 25 points (10-of-16 FG, 3-of-4 from three), grabbed eight rebounds, and had two assists. The Knicks also played far better defense than they did the first time they played OKC when they gave up 145 points. Letting the other team score 119 points is still not great, but there was progress.
Also, the Knicks looked their best (aside from the Brunson and Barrett minutes) when “the kids” were on the floor. Immanuel Quickley (he scored 18 points off the bench), Quentin Grimes, Miles “Deuce” McBride, and Jericho Sims all played exceptionally well on both ends of the floor. Us fans would like to see those guys play more against the Blazers and in every game going forward, please.
New York Knicks vs Portland Trail Blazers Odds, Spread, Over/Under
The latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook have the Knicks as the -3.5 favorites with the team -110 to cover. New York is -172 on the moneyline and Portland is +144. The over/under is set at 218.5 points.
Knicks Projected Starting Lineup Tonight
- Jalen Brunson
- Cam Reddish
- RJ Barrett
- Julius Randle
- Mitchell Robinson
Not only should three days of rest allow for the Knicks who are hobbled to get healthier, but I expect that it will be enough time for Mitchell Robinson specifically to get to a point in which Tom Thibodeau inserts him back into the starting lineup if he plays. Robinson has been effective in the two games in which he’s played in limited minutes after his knee injury. If he is available, then he should see more minutes and even start.
Also, Cam Reddish seems to be getting over his own injury rather fast. If he can return tonight from the groin strain, then I think he will start. Yes, Quentin Grimes looked fantastic in two games as the starter, but Reddish shouldn’t lose that spot due to injury alone. I think Thibodeau would respect Reddish in this way by keeping him as a starter because Reddish has earned that role with his two-way play. If Reddish and/or Robinson are out, then we should see Grimes and Hartenstein in their place.
Knicks Injury Report
I mentioned how Reddish is working his way back from a groin injury. Derrick Rose has a sore toe, but he and Reddish have been participating in practice and are both listed as questionable. Rose could be back to play in this game in his role as the primary guard off of the bench. Robinson (knee) is listed as questionable as well.
New York Knicks vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction
New York has been virtually winless against teams this season who have All-Star talent. Usually, that would mean I am implying that the Knicks are likely to lose to the Blazers because they have Damian Lillard. However, Lillard has been out since Nov. 20 with a strained calf.
The Knicks will have to be ready for Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant. Grant is a strong slasher who has experience as the first option from his Pistons days, while Simons broke onto the scene last year for the Blazers as a crafty sniper. Simons has continued to be a rising star for Portland this season and will undoubtedly be the primary focus of New York’s defense.
While those two players are definitely skilled, Portland likely will lack offensive firepower outside of Grant and Simons. They did fair pretty well against the Bucks by scoring 111 points, but they were suffocated by the Cavaliers’ defense (scored just 96 points). Facing two of the elite defensive teams in the NBA without Lillard has clearly been polarizing for Portland’s offense, so who knows how the Blazers will look against the Knicks.
The Knicks will need to take advantage, but it will be tough since Portland makes up for a bottom-10 league offense with a top-10 league defense (seventh in opponents PPG). In the end, I think New York’s defense will hold up just enough and their fast-paced/youthful offense will be too much for Portland to handle. The Knicks will be in a close game all the way through, but they’ll sneak out with a dub.
New York 114, Portland 110
What channel is the New York Knicks game on?
New York-Portland can be found on MSG Network. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
New York Knicks vs Portland Trail Blazers Live Stream
If you’re looking for a live stream, head to fuboTV for a free trial. Or if you have cable but are away from your television, you can use your TV provider information for the MSG GO app.
Knicks Next Game and Upcoming Schedule
New York has one more home game before a quick visit to Detroit. After that, they will be back at The Garden for a four-game homestand.
Nov. 27 vs. Memphis
Nov. 29 at Detroit
Nov. 30 vs. Milwaukee
Dec. 3 vs. Dallas
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.