Knicks Seek Seventh Straight Win Against Struggling Wizards

The New York Knicks are rolling into Washington, D.C., carrying the momentum of a six-game winning streak and the confidence befitting an Atlantic Division leader. On February 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET, the Knicks (31-18) will square off against the Washington Wizards (13-35) at Capital One Arena, a matchup that pits a surging contender against a rebuilding squad still searching for consistency. With both teams coming off recent wins—New York bested the Los Angeles Lakers 112-100, while Washington edged the Sacramento Kings 116-112—the stage is set for an intriguing Eastern Conference clash.

Let’s not mince words: the Knicks are the heavy favorites. The sportsbooks have set the line at New York -13, with moneyline odds at -690 for the Knicks and +493 for the Wizards. The over/under sits at 227.5 points, a number that’s drawn sharp eyes in the betting community. But can the Wizards, with their mix of youthful exuberance and veteran savvy, make things interesting against a Knicks squad that’s been firing on all cylinders?

The Knicks’ recent dominance is no accident. After a rocky four-game losing streak that had some fans sweating, New York has bounced back with authority, stringing together six straight wins. Their latest victory over the Lakers was a testament to their depth and execution. OG Anunoby dropped 25 points, Landry Shamet chipped in 23, and Josh Hart added 20, while Jalen Brunson orchestrated the offense with 12 points and a season-high 13 assists. Even Karl-Anthony Towns, fresh off being named an All-Star reserve, contributed 11 points and 13 rebounds. According to the Associated Press, "the Knicks outscored the Lakers 38-26 in the third quarter, getting three straight transition baskets and then closing with 3-pointers by Shamet, Brunson and Anunoby in a 15-5 surge that sent them to the fourth with a 90-82 lead."

Brunson, in particular, has been the engine of this Knicks team. With a 31.11% usage rate, he’s racked up 1,197 points in 44 games, averaging a robust 27.2 points per night. The offense often runs through him, and his ability to create off the dribble or set up teammates has been a nightmare for opposing defenses. SportsLine’s projection model pegs him at 25.9 points for this game, and it’s hard to argue with those numbers given his recent form.

But Brunson isn’t alone. Karl-Anthony Towns has been a force on the boards, hauling in 545 rebounds in 46 games—an average of 11.8 per contest, including 143 offensive rebounds. The matchup against Washington’s interior defense, which has been leaky all season, is ripe for exploitation. The Wizards secure just 47.5% of available rebounds at home, essentially rolling out the red carpet for big men like Towns to dominate the paint. As one preview put it, "Washington is getting crushed on the glass at home, and Karl-Anthony Towns is poised to clean up the mess." The expectation is that Towns could notch a double-double by halftime, almost by accident.

The Knicks’ overall scoring output is impressive—they average 117.6 points per game, just a hair under the 122.5 points the Wizards allow on defense. That offensive efficiency, coupled with a defense that surrenders only 112.1 points per game, has made New York a tough out for any opponent. Their road record, however, is a modest 10-12, suggesting that while they’ve been dominant at home, there’s still room for improvement away from Madison Square Garden.

On the other side, the Wizards are a team in transition. With a 13-35 record and a fifth-place standing in the Southeast Division, Washington is banking on a blend of youth and experience to keep games competitive. Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington represent the future, while CJ McCollum brings the steady hand of a seasoned veteran. Sarr, in particular, is projected to score 18.6 points in this matchup, and the SportsLine model notes that six Wizards players are expected to tally double figures, led by Sarr’s output.

Recent form has been a mixed bag for the Wizards. Their win over the Kings hints at potential, but the team has struggled mightily against top competition—especially on the glass and on the defensive end. They’re 1-4 against top-10 scoring defenses over their last five games, often seeing their offense fizzle when challenged by elite defensive squads. The Wizards average 112.3 points per game, which is just 0.2 more than the Knicks allow, but it’s the defensive side that’s been their Achilles’ heel.

Injuries are a subplot for both teams. The Knicks will be without Miles McBride (ankle) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle), thinning their depth, especially in the frontcourt. The Wizards, meanwhile, are missing Tre Johnson (ankle), Trae Young (quad), Cam Whitmore (shoulder, out for the season), and Tristan Vukcevic (hamstring), with Anthony Gill listed as questionable due to a hand injury. These absences could tilt the rebounding and interior defense battle even further in New York’s favor.

For fans looking to tune in, the game will be broadcast on MSG and MNMT, with streaming options available through fuboTV and DIRECTV. Those hoping to catch the action in person can still find tickets on StubHub, though prices may climb as excitement builds for the Knicks’ road trip and the Wizards’ attempt to play spoiler.

So, what should fans and bettors expect? The consensus among analysts and betting models is clear: the Knicks are expected to cover the 13-point spread, and the total is likely to go under 227.5, aligning with recent trends in both teams’ games. The Knicks have seen the under hit in nine of their last ten contests, while the under has also come through in four of the last seven for Washington. The SportsLine model’s spread pick has hit over 60% of the time in simulations, lending further credence to these projections.

As tipoff approaches, the question isn’t so much whether the Knicks will win—it’s by how much. But as any NBA fan knows, no game is a foregone conclusion. The Wizards, with their home crowd and nothing to lose, could make things interesting. Still, with Brunson and Towns leading the charge, and the Knicks’ defense clicking, New York looks poised to extend its winning streak and solidify its place among the Eastern Conference elite.

With the action set to unfold at Capital One Arena, all eyes will be on whether the Knicks can keep their streak alive or if the Wizards can spring a surprise. Either way, fans are in for a night of high-energy basketball in the nation’s capital.