As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the New York Knicks (25-17) aim to break a three-game losing streak against the struggling Dallas Mavericks (17-26). Both teams have faced their share of challenges this season. The Knicks, who have shown flashes of brilliance, are looking to leverage their home-court advantage at Madison Square Garden to get back on track.
The Mavericks, after a tumultuous season that included a trade sending Luka Dončić to the Lakers, managed to secure the top pick in the draft, selecting the highly touted Cooper Flagg. However, despite the excitement surrounding Flagg’s arrival and his strong Rookie of the Year candidacy, the team remains at the bottom of the Western Conference. Injuries to key players and ongoing instability in the roster have hampered their performance. Dallas’s offense has struggled significantly this season, ranking among the league’s lowest, which the Knicks hope to exploit.
In their previous encounter on November 19, the Knicks edged out the Mavericks in a close game that ended 113-111. Jalen Brunson, making his return from an ankle injury, led the Knicks with 28 points. The game saw the Mavericks without Flagg due to illness, and despite strong contributions from bench players D’Angelo Russell and Naji Marshall, they fell short due to limited output from their starters.
The Mavericks will face additional challenges today, with key players including Daniel Gafford, D’Angelo Russell, and P.J. Washington unavailable. Anthony Davis is expected to miss the game indefinitely, while Flagg’s status remains uncertain as he is a game-time decision due to an ankle issue.
ESPN gives the Knicks a favorable 76% chance of winning, a glimmer of hope for fans following a rough January that saw the team suffer a disappointing loss to Phoenix. Injuries to Brunson and Josh Hart have contributed to their inconsistency, alongside uneven performances from stars like Karl-Anthony Towns. A victory today would provide a much-needed boost for the Knicks as they strive to regain their momentum and make a push for the playoffs.
The game will take place on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET and will be broadcasted on NBC. As we remember the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., the Knicks hope to channel that spirit of resilience and pride as they take to the court today.