The Knicks are in a bit of a tailspin right now-and they know it. After a stretch where things seemed to be clicking, New York's recent slide has brought back some of those familiar frustrations.
They’re desperate for a bounce-back, and Wednesday night’s matchup at Madison Square Garden offers a golden opportunity. The opponent?
The struggling Brooklyn Nets.
On paper, this one leans heavily toward the Knicks. Brooklyn rolls in with an 11-27 record and a roster that’s more focused on development than wins at this stage.
But rivalry games have a way of throwing expectations out the window. And for the Knicks, nothing would feel better than snapping out of their funk with a statement win over their crosstown rivals.
But here’s the twist: the Nets have more than just pride on the line. They hold the Knicks’ first-round picks in 2027, 2029, and 2031, along with a 2028 pick swap.
So every Knicks loss, even now, has long-term value for Brooklyn. That’s the kind of leverage that adds a little extra spice to this rivalry.
They can keep playing the long game-developing young talent, staying the course-and still take satisfaction in making life harder for their neighbors across the river.
That said, the recent history between these two teams tells a clear story. The Knicks have won nine straight against the Nets heading into this game.
That’s not just a streak-it’s dominance. And for a Knicks team that’s looking to regain its footing, there may be no better opponent to face right now than a team they’ve consistently handled.
Game Details:
- Brooklyn Nets (11-27) at New York Knicks (23-17)
- Venue: Madison Square Garden
- Date: Wednesday
Injury Report - Brooklyn Nets:
- Haywood Highsmith: Out (Right Knee Surgery - Recovery)
- Tyson Etienne: Out (G League - Two-Way)
- Keyontae Johnson: Out (G League - Two-Way)
- E.J. Liddell: Out (G League - Two-Way)
- Noam Saraf: Out (G League - Assignment)
The Nets are clearly leaning into their youth movement, with multiple players on G League assignments or two-way deals. It’s a sign of where they are in their rebuild-focused on development and long-term growth rather than immediate results.
For the Knicks, though, this game is about momentum. It’s about stopping the bleeding and reminding themselves-and everyone else-that they’re still a team to take seriously in the East.
A win over Brooklyn won’t solve everything, but it’s a start. And in a season where every game counts, especially in the tightly packed Eastern Conference standings, this one carries a little extra weight.
Expect a fired-up Garden crowd, a hungry Knicks squad, and a Nets team that-despite the record-has every reason to play spoiler. Rivalries don’t always follow the script. But if the Knicks want to get back on track, this is the moment to do it.