Knicks and Mavericks Clash in Final Season Meeting
The New York Knicks welcome the Dallas Mavericks to Madison Square Garden on Monday. This game marks the conclusion of a three-game homestand for the Knicks. It also represents the second and final regular-season matchup between these two teams. The Knicks currently hold a 1-0 advantage in the series.
Game Dynamics and Team Strengths
The Mavericks enter this contest playing at a high tempo. Over their last fifteen games, they have maintained the third-fastest pace in the entire NBA. This style of play could create more scoring opportunities for both sides during the game.
Playing at home provides a significant boost for the Knicks. Their offensive rebounding has been exceptional over the past twenty games. In fact, they rank as the top offensive rebounding team in the league during that stretch. This strength on the boards could be a key factor.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks boast impressive shooting accuracy. Their field goal percentage stands at 49.9% over the last twenty games. This statistic gives them the best shooting percentage in the NBA during that period.
When and Where to Watch
The game is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. That translates to 2:00 PM Pacific Time. Several television networks will carry the live broadcast.
Viewers can tune into NBC, KFAA-TV, or the MSG Network. For streaming options, fans can access the game through Fubo TV or the NBA League Pass service.
Expected Starting Lineups
New York Knicks
- Point Guard: Miles McBride
- Shooting Guard: Josh Hart
- Small Forward: Mikal Bridges
- Power Forward: OG Anunoby
- Center: Karl-Anthony Towns
Dallas Mavericks
- Point Guard: RJ Nembhard Jr.
- Shooting Guard: Max Christie
- Small Forward: Naji Marshall
- Power Forward: Caleb Martin
- Center: Dwight Powell
Injury Report for Both Teams
New York Knicks
- Josh Hart is listed as day-to-day due to an ankle issue.
- Jalen Brunson is out with an ankle injury.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks have a lengthy list of unavailable players.
- Daniel Gafford is out with an ankle injury.
- D'Angelo Russell is out due to illness.
- P.J. Washington is out for personal reasons.
- Cooper Flagg is out with an ankle injury.
- Anthony Davis is out with a finger injury.
- Dereck Lively II is out after undergoing surgery.
- Kyrie Irving is out with a knee injury.
- Dante Exum is out for the season following knee surgery.
Game Prediction and Recent Form
The Dallas Mavericks finished the 2025 calendar year with a record of 12 wins and 22 losses. However, their performance has improved noticeably in the new year. They currently hold a 5-4 record in 2026.
The Mavericks recently completed a successful homestand, winning three of their four games. They secured victories against the Utah Jazz on both Thursday and Saturday. This gives them a two-game winning streak heading into Monday's matchup.
Conversely, the New York Knicks have struggled at the start of 2026. Their difficulties began with a tough 134-132 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on December 31, 2025. Since that game, their form has not recovered.
The Knicks have managed only two wins in their nine games so far this year. They now face the challenge of turning their season around against a confident Mavericks team.
