The stage is set at Madison Square Garden as the Los Angeles Clippers take on the New York Knicks in a highly anticipated interconference NBA matchup on January 7, 2026. Both teams enter the contest with contrasting momentum and plenty of storylines swirling around their rosters, injuries, and recent performances. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST, with fans tuning in on FDSN Southern California, MSG, and streaming platforms like Fubo.
For the Clippers, this game represents another chance to extend a remarkable turnaround. After a dismal 6-21 start to the season, Los Angeles has found its groove, winning seven of its last eight games and improving to 13-22. Their latest victory, a nail-biting 103-102 win over the Golden State Warriors on January 5, showcased the team’s resilience and depth. Kawhi Leonard led the charge with a stellar all-around performance—24 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks—while Kobe Sanders stepped up in the absence of James Harden, pouring in 20 points on 9-of-16 shooting over 35 minutes. John Collins also contributed 18 points and three blocks, and Kris Dunn took on increased playmaking duties.
But the Clippers’ resurgence has not come without adversity. The team’s injury report for Wednesday’s clash is lengthy and concerning. Star guard James Harden remains questionable with right shoulder soreness, putting his availability in doubt for a second consecutive game. Harden’s injury first surfaced on Monday and led to his absence against the Warriors, leaving the Clippers to rely on Sanders and a patchwork backcourt. If Harden is unable to suit up, expect Sanders to start once again, with Jordan Miller and Kris Dunn shouldering more responsibility off the bench and in playmaking roles. The Clippers will also be without Bogdan Bogdanovic (left hamstring), Derrick Jones Jr. (knee), Bradley Beal (hip, out for season), and Chris Paul (away from team).
Despite these setbacks, Los Angeles has tightened up defensively, allowing just 104.6 points per game over their last eight contests—well below their season average of 114.2 points per game. That newfound defensive grit could be crucial against a Knicks squad that’s been struggling to find its offensive rhythm in the new year.
On the other side, the New York Knicks are in the midst of a season-worst four-game losing streak, their record slipping to 23-13 after a string of tough defeats to the Spurs, Hawks, 76ers, and most recently, a 31-point blowout at the hands of the Detroit Pistons. The loss to Detroit exposed some glaring issues: Jalen Brunson led the team with 25 points but committed six turnovers and, for the first time this season, finished with zero assists. Karl-Anthony Towns also had a night to forget, managing just six points, one rebound, and six turnovers in 22 minutes. Miles McBride offered a spark off the bench with 17 points and two assists, but it wasn’t enough to stem the tide.
Injuries have played a significant role in the Knicks’ recent slide. Veteran guard Josh Hart remains out with a right ankle sprain, missing his seventh consecutive game, while Landry Shamet is sidelined with a right shoulder sprain. With Hart out, the Knicks have leaned more on Mitchell Robinson, McBride, and Mohamed Diawara to fill the void, but the results have been inconsistent. The team’s offensive woes are underscored by their January average of just 102.7 points per game, and defensively, they’ve allowed six of their last seven opponents to eclipse 120 points.
Yet, the Knicks are still averaging 119.6 points per game on the season, a figure that’s 5.4 points above what the Clippers typically allow. Conversely, the Clippers’ offense averages 112.1 points per game, just three points shy of the 115.1 points per game the Knicks surrender on defense. It’s a matchup of two teams whose statistical profiles suggest a high-scoring affair, but recent trends point to a more defensive battle—especially with key playmakers potentially sidelined.
Betting odds reflect the uncertainty swirling around both teams. The Knicks are favored at -4.5, with a moneyline of -190, while the Clippers are listed as +4.5 underdogs (+154 moneyline). The over/under is set at 223.5 points, with both sides at -110 odds. Recent betting trends favor the Clippers, who are 5-1 straight up in their last six meetings with the Knicks and have hit the under in four of their last six games. Kawhi Leonard, in particular, has been on a tear, averaging over 30 points per game in January and eclipsing the 27.5-point mark in six of his last eight outings.
As tip-off approaches, all eyes will be on the final injury reports. Will James Harden make his return and provide the Clippers with a much-needed boost at point guard? Or will Los Angeles once again have to dig deep into its bench, relying on the likes of Sanders, Dunn, and Leonard to shoulder the offensive load? For the Knicks, the absence of Hart and Shamet continues to test their depth and resilience, with Brunson and Towns under pressure to deliver against a surging Clippers defense.
Fans eager to catch the action can watch live on FDSN Southern California, MSG, or stream via Fubo, which offers a free trial and carries all the major national and local broadcast channels. For those lucky enough to be in New York, tickets are available through StubHub for what promises to be a compelling contest at the world’s most famous arena.
With both teams at a crossroads—the Clippers seeking to climb out of an early-season hole and the Knicks desperate to halt their losing skid—Wednesday night’s matchup is more than just another regular season game. It’s a litmus test for two franchises with playoff aspirations and plenty to prove. As the opening tip draws near, the only certainty is that Madison Square Garden will be buzzing with anticipation, and basketball fans everywhere will be watching closely to see which team seizes the moment.
Whether you’re tuning in for the star power, the strategic chess match, or the drama of two teams fighting to right their respective ships, Clippers vs. Knicks is shaping up to be a must-watch NBA showdown. Stay tuned for updates as the action unfolds live from New York City.
