Fresh off a four-game winning streak, the New York Knicks will try to make it five on Thursday when they host the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden. The Nuggets, however, will be hungry to avoid a third consecutive loss, something they have yet endured this season.
Match Preview
The Knicks come into this meeting blazing hot, having just achieved their most one-sided win of the season, obliterating the Memphis Grizzlies, 143-106. Tom Thibodeau’s men were in charge from the opening tip, leading for more than 45 of the game’s 48 minutes and recording their second highest point total of the season.
Mikal Bridges led the scoring for Brooklyn, notching 28 points on an efficient 12-19 shooting outing. His recent performances have helped the Knicks’ cause, as he scored 55 points over his last two games since managing a quiet 10 points against the Brooklyn Nets.
The Knicks, who began 2025 with a wobbly 1-3 record, have now won seven of their past 10 games. They are currently only a single win behind second-placed Boston Celtics in the East standings. After posting a pair of home wins over Western Conference foes, the Knicks are eager to finish January with a perfect homestand.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets are licking their wounds after a subpar 129-121 road loss to the Chicago Bulls. After building a seven-point halftime lead, Michael Malone’s outfit stumbled through a second half where they were outscored by 15 points.
The reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic, was also in fine form and had his fifth triple-double in six games with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 14 assists. But even his brilliance wasn’t enough to stave off a second straight loss to the Nuggets.
The Nuggets, who went 8-1 from Jan. 9-24, will look to recapture that rhythm. Their problems against the Knicks, however, are well known. They got crushed 145-118 in November and have now lost four of five against New York.
Team News
The Nuggets will be without Vlatko Cancar as he recovers from knee surgery, and DaRon Holmes II is out with an ankle injury. A thigh problem has made Spencer Jones a doubt, but Jokic, who registered his 21st triple-double of the season last time out, will again lead the charge.
The Knicks are still missing Mitchell Robinson and Kevin McCullar Jr., who are each facing long-term injuries. Robinson is close to returning, but Thursday’s game is too soon for the center.
Predicted Starting Fives
Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl Anthony Towns—New York Knicks
Denver Nuggets: Westbrook, Murray, Braun, Porter Jr., Jokic
Prediction
And with the Knicks flying at home and the Nuggets flagging on the road, it shapes up as a good spot for the hosts. While Jokic is as likely as anyone to have a huge night, the balanced Knicks attack and their defensive ability should carry them past this one.
Knicks win close.
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