On March 4, 2025, the New York Knicks are set to face the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden at 4:30 p.m. PT. Both teams find themselves at pivotal points of the season, with playoff positioning on the line.
The Knicks, currently holding the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, have won six of their last eight games, riding high on the performances of stars like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns, who has been averaging 19.1 points and 10.3 rebounds over the last 20 games, has unexpectedly been ruled out of this matchup due to personal reasons, according to head coach Tom Thibodeau.
"When he’s ready to come back, obviously we want him back. But he needs some time right now," Thibodeau stated, indicating the team's careful approach to player health and readiness.
Although Towns’s absence will be felt, the Knicks are optimistic due to the return of OG Anunoby, who had missed three weeks due to a foot sprain but returned to the lineup for the Cleveland Cavaliers game on February 21. The young forward’s defensive capabilities will be key against the Warriors’ offensive threats.
On the other side, the Golden State Warriors have experienced a resurgence recently, having won eight out of their last 10 games, including their latest victory against the Charlotte Hornets, which placed them solidly at No. 6 in the Western Conference. This success has come alongside the strategic addition of Jimmy Butler to their roster, who has provided significant offensive firepower.
"The Warriors have found new life, thanks to the arrival of Jimmy Butler. Since Butler joined the team, the Dubs have been on fire, going 8-2 and climbing up the standings," noted analysts covering the run-up to this important game.
Despite the positive momentum, the Warriors must navigate injury concerns of their stars, particularly Stephen Curry, who suffered a rolled ankle against the Hornets. Curry finished the game with 21 points and 10 assists but is currently listed as questionable for the match against the Knicks. His status remains day-to-day, and he expressed uncertainty at his postgame press conference, saying, "I think I’m going to play, but if my ankle says I shouldn’t play, I won’t play." This caution shows the focus the Warriors have on ensuring their star is healthy for the playoffs.
Along with Curry, also listed on the Warriors’ injury report are Gary Payton II, who is out due to nasal contusion, and Jonathan Kuminga with an ankle sprain. This situation puts additional pressure on the team to perform against the formidable Knicks.
The Knicks’ lineup continues to adapt with upcoming players stepping up, including Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, who are both available for the game and are expected to contribute significantly. With Towns sidelined, coach Thibodeau will likely look to increase the offensive load on Brunson, who has been scoring exceptionally well through the season.
After the matchup, the Warriors will face off against other tough opponents, including the Brooklyn Nets and the Detroit Pistons, which makes this game against the Knicks even more significant as they seek to maintain momentum heading toward the playoffs.
Viewers can watch today’s game on TNT or stream it via platforms like Fubo TV, as both teams look to solidify their playoff futures amid intriguing storylines surrounding player injuries and recent performances.
With injuries and ups and downs, the stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams square off at Madison Square Garden, promising fans yet another classic NBA showdown.