The New York Knicks are heading into Tuesday night’s matchup against the Sacramento Kings with something they haven’t had much of lately - momentum and a clean injury report.
After a rough stretch where they dropped eight of ten, the Knicks have strung together back-to-back wins, including a gritty 112-109 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. That came right after a dominant performance against the Brooklyn Nets. Now, with the Kings coming to Madison Square Garden, New York has a chance to keep building on what’s starting to look like a midseason turnaround.
Health has been a big part of that. Since Jalen Brunson returned to the lineup on January 19 against Dallas, the Knicks have had their core intact for three straight games - a rarity in today’s NBA.
Karl-Anthony Towns, who was a game-time decision against Philly due to back spasms, managed to suit up and contribute 10 points and six boards in limited minutes. He’s officially off the injury report heading into this one, giving New York its full rotation - minus a few G-League assignments.
Trey Jemison III, Dillon Jones, and Kevin McCullar Jr. are all listed as OUT, but those are expected absences due to G-League duty. Translation: the Knicks’ main roster is good to go.
That’s not something the Kings can say right now.
Sacramento rolls into the Garden on a five-game skid, and the injury bug hasn’t helped. Zach LaVine, who had been a steady presence in the lineup with 11 straight appearances, is sidelined with lower back soreness. He’s averaging 19.5 points per game across 34 outings this season, and his absence leaves a noticeable gap in the Kings’ offensive firepower.
Malik Monk is also OUT with right ankle soreness. He dropped 19 points in 22 minutes against Detroit - a game the Kings would probably like to forget after getting blown out 139-116 - but won’t be available for this one.
Monk’s been a key spark plug off the bench, shooting a career-best 42% from deep on nearly five attempts per game. That kind of spacing and scoring pop is tough to replace.
Keegan Murray remains sidelined as well. The second-year forward hasn’t played since January 4 due to a left ankle sprain and was expected to miss several weeks. His two-way presence and ability to stretch the floor are sorely missed, especially during this rough patch.
This will be the second meeting between the Knicks and Kings this season. Sacramento took the first one back on January 14, winning 112-101 on their home floor. But this time, the venue shifts to the Garden, and the Knicks come in healthier and playing with renewed energy.
With the Kings banged up and trying to snap a five-game slide, and the Knicks looking to keep their win streak alive, Tuesday night’s showdown has the makings of a pivotal game for both squads. For New York, it’s a chance to continue climbing out of an early-season funk. For Sacramento, it’s about stopping the bleeding before it turns into something worse.
Tipoff can’t come soon enough.