Get ready for a basketball showdown that’s bound to spark debates! When the Sacramento Kings face the New York Knicks in a rare non-conference matchup, it’s not just about the game—it’s about the clash of two teams with wildly different trajectories. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a struggling Kings squad pull off an upset against a Knicks team that’s been dominating from beyond the arc? Let’s dive in.
On January 13, 2026, at 10 p.m. EST in Sacramento, California, the New York Knicks (25-14, second in the Eastern Conference) will take on the Sacramento Kings (10-30, 14th in the Western Conference) in a game that highlights the stark contrast between these two franchises. The Kings, despite their 7-13 home record, are giving up a staggering 121.2 points per game, resulting in an 11.0-point deficit per matchup. Meanwhile, the Knicks, sitting at 9-10 on the road, boast the second-best 3-point shooting percentage in the East at 38.3%.
And this is the part most people miss: The Kings’ 10.5 made 3-pointers per game fall significantly short of the 14.6 the Knicks allow, suggesting Sacramento might struggle to keep up from deep. However, the Knicks’ 47.3% field goal percentage is slightly lower than the 49.5% the Kings have allowed opponents this season. Could this be the Kings’ chance to exploit a weakness?
Key players to watch include Russell Westbrook for the Kings, averaging 14.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists, while DeMar DeRozan has been on fire with 18.7 points, 4.6 assists, and 1.6 steals over the last 10 games. For the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns leads with 21.2 points and 11.4 rebounds, and Jalen Brunson has been unstoppable, averaging 28.4 points and shooting 47.7% over the same span.
In their last 10 games, the Kings went 3-7, averaging 104.6 points and shooting 46.2% from the field, while the Knicks went 5-5, averaging 117.7 points and shooting 45.7%. Injuries could play a role, with the Kings missing Keegan Murray (ankle) and Domantas Sabonis (knee), and the Knicks monitoring Landry Shamet (shoulder) and Guerschon Yabusele (quad).
Here’s the burning question: Can the Kings capitalize on the Knicks’ slight field goal discrepancy, or will New York’s 3-point prowess seal the deal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this matchup is sure to ignite some heated debates!
