Injuries have exposed the fact that the Knicks are as deep as a backyard kiddie pool. On Friday in Detroit, they broke an eight-game win streak and replaced the bench with a stretcher. You can tell the Knicks are short-handed when Mike Brown, gritting his teeth, lowers his gaze upon Pacome Dadiet. The coach knows his team just needs to reach the All-Star break without one more ankle sprain. Protecting the starters might even mean [growls under breath] playing Dadiet.
This week, they’ll play three games, two toughies and one marshmallow. It will also bring the debut of Jose Alvarado. Let’s take a peek at the calendar, shall we?
Sunday, Feb. 9 — Knicks at Celtics, 12:30 PM EST (ABC)
In a stupidly early matinee at TD Garden, the Knicks meet the Celtics (34–18) in a clash of Eastern contenders. New York arrives battered, with several key players nursing injuries. Read my preview here.
Tuesday, Feb. 11 — Knicks vs. Pacers, 7:30 PM (MSG / League Pass)
The Knicks host the Indiana Pacers (13-38) at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday at 7:30 PM. New York looks to get right against a struggling Pacers team well below .500, with a win against a non-contender. The Knicks are heavily favored, obviously, given Indiana’s poor record.
Their most recent clash on December 18, 2025, saw New York edge out a 114-113 victory in a close contest when Andrew Nembhard scored 31. Of course he did, somebody had to.
Wednesday, Feb. 12 — Knicks at 76ers, 7:30 PM (ESPN)
The Knicks travel to face the Philadelphia 76ers (29-22) at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Wednesday in another back-to-back. Due to a curious wrinkle in the space-time continuum, the Knicks have played 52 games (54 by Wednesday) and 76 back-to-backs. The universe is not a Knicks fan.
In their last encounter on January 3, 2026, Philadelphia won 130-119, behind Tyrese Maxey’s 36 points and a resurgent Joel Embiid. Philly leads the season series 2-1.
And then it’s the All-Star break!