Predictions Phoenix Suns vs New York Knicks | NBA 17.01.26

Phoenix Suns vs New York Knicks Game Analysis | 18-01-2026 | NBA

This highly anticipated regular-season matchup sees the Phoenix Suns (24-17) travel to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks (25-16) on January 18, 2026, at 12:30 AM. Both teams are jockeying for playoff positioning in their respective conferences, making this a pivotal cross-conference clash.

Phoenix Suns Team Performance

The Phoenix Suns enter this game with a respectable 24-17 record, showcasing a potent offense when healthy. Their performance has often hinged on the brilliance of their star guard. Strengths include their ability to score efficiently and stretch the floor. However, a significant weakness lies in their depth and consistency, particularly when their primary offensive initiators are sidelined. Rebounding has seen an uplift with Mark Williams averaging 8.3 boards, but overall team defense can be inconsistent.

Phoenix Suns Key Players

• Points: Devin Booker (25.2)
• Rebounds: Mark Williams (8.3)
• Assists: Devin Booker (6.5)
• Rating: Devin Booker (25.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 6.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG)

Injury Report Phoenix Suns

• Jamaree Bouyea (Out): Bouyea (concussion) has been ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Knicks.
• Jalen Green (Out): Green (hamstring) has been ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Knicks.
• Devin Booker (Day-to-day): Booker (ankle) is questionable for Saturday’s game in New York, Shane Young of Forbes.com reports.

New York Knicks Team Performance

The New York Knicks, with a 25-16 record, have established themselves as a formidable Eastern Conference contender, largely built on a foundation of tenacious defense and robust rebounding. Their strengths lie in their defensive versatility, their ability to control the paint, and the clutch play of their backcourt. While their offense can sometimes rely heavily on one player, the addition of versatile forwards like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby provides multiple scoring threats and defensive anchors.

New York Knicks Key Players

• Points: Jalen Brunson (28.2)
• Rebounds: Karl-Anthony Towns (11.5)
• Assists: Jalen Brunson (6.1)
• Rating: Jalen Brunson (28.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 6.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG)

Injury Report New York Knicks

• Jalen Brunson (Day-to-day): Brunson (ankle) is questionable for Saturday’s game against the Suns.

Prediction: Phoenix Suns vs New York Knicks

This game’s outcome heavily hinges on the availability of both Devin Booker and Jalen Brunson. Should both stars be sidelined, the Knicks possess a deeper and more defensively capable roster to compensate. Even if one or both play, the Knicks’ home-court advantage and defensive identity give them a significant edge. Karl-Anthony Towns’ dominant rebounding (11.5 RPG) will be crucial against the Suns’ bigs. Therefore, the predicted winner is the New York Knicks. Considering the offensive talent on both sides and the potential for others to step up, we predict the total points will go over 223.5.