New York Knicks vs Phoenix Suns Betting Pick & Prediction for 1/9
The New York Knicks will visit the Phoenix Suns at the Mortgage Matchup Center. This game marks the start of the NBA Regular Season for both teams. The Knicks, led by head coach Mike Brown, come in with a 24-13 record. They are ranked 2nd in the Eastern Conference and 1st in the Atlantic Division.
The Suns, under head coach Jordan Ott, hold a 22-15 record. They are 7th in the Western Conference and 2nd in the Pacific Division. Both teams are coming off wins in their last games. The game will be broadcast on MSG at 9:00 PM on Friday, January 9, 2026.
Knicks vs Suns Game Day Info
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: New York Knicks vs. Phoenix Suns
- Venue: Mortgage Matchup Center
- Date: Friday, January 9, 2026
- Betting Odds: Knicks -1.5 (-111), Suns +1.5 (-109), Knicks MoneyLine -126, Suns MoneyLine +105, Over/Under 230.5
New York Knicks Team Preview
The New York Knicks have shown a mixed bag of results in recent games. They won against the Los Angeles Clippers with a score of 123-111. Jalen Brunson was the standout player, scoring 26 points and making 75% of his field goals. However, they had a tough game against the Detroit Pistons, losing 90-121.
In the season stats, the Knicks rank fifth in points per game with 119.7. They are third in three-pointers made per game, averaging 15.2. On defense, they allow 115.0 points per game, which places them 12th. Their effective field goal percentage allowed is 55.1, ranking 22nd.
The Knicks have some key players who contribute consistently. Jalen Brunson leads with 29.1 points per game, while Karl-Anthony Towns averages 21.4 points and 11.4 rebounds. Mikal Bridges adds 16.0 points per game. Injuries to Josh Hart and Landry Shamet might impact their depth in upcoming games.
Phoenix Suns Team Preview
The Phoenix Suns recently played three games with mixed results. They secured a win against the Memphis Grizzlies with a score of 117-98. Before that, they had a close loss to the Houston Rockets, falling 97-100, and a narrow victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning 108-105.
The Suns’ offensive stats show they score 114.8 points per game, ranking 21st. They attempt 90.2 field goals per game, with a field goal percentage of 46.5. They make 14.3 three-pointers per game, placing them 8th in this category.
Devin Booker is the top player for the Suns, averaging 25.4 points per game. Dillon Brooks follows with 21.2 points per game. The team is currently dealing with injuries, as Jalen Green and Jamaree Bouyea are both out, impacting their roster depth.
BTB Betting Pick
The Knicks are favored by 1.5 points with odds of -111. They score 119.7 points per game, ranking 5th, while the Suns score 114.8, ranking 21st. Given the Knicks’ higher scoring and their ability to limit opponents’ rebounds, they are likely to cover the spread. The projected score is Knicks 118, Suns 114.
The total for the game is set at 230.5. The Knicks allow 115 points per game, and the Suns allow 112.4. Both teams have solid defenses, which could keep the game under the total. The projected total is 232, but the defensive stats suggest a play on the under.