New York vies for victory in its last game of the regular season.
The Knicks (50-31) close out their regular season on Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets (26-55) at Barclays Center. With the third seed in the East already locked in, New York will face the Pistons in the first round of the playoffs. Brooklyn, meanwhile, has long been eliminated from postseason contention and will be trying to avoid a four-game season sweep.
Knicks’ skipper Tom Thibodeau hasn’t said whether he’ll rest his starters, including Jalen Brunson, who recently returned from a sprained ankle. With the playoffs looming, the team may lean toward caution, and four guys—Brunson, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Karl-Anthony Towns—are listed as day-to-day. Brooklyn has D’Angelo Russell, Cameron Johnson, and Day’Ron Sharpe flagged as OUT; Ziaire Williams and Reece Beekman are listed as game-time decisions.
In their loss to the Timberwolves on Friday, the Nets started Drew Timme, Jalen Wilson, Beekman, Trendon Watford, and Keon Johnson. The same are likely to take the floor in Sunday’s matinee.
The Knicks limp into the finale on a three-game skid, falling to Boston, Detroit, and Cleveland. Defensive slippage remains a concern—opponents have shot lights out lately—and despite Brunson’s steadying presence, offensive consistency has been elusive, especially in second halves. The Nets have shown the occasional spark, including a recent win over the Pelicans, but remain one of the league’s worst teams in opponent field goal percentage and turnovers.
When they met last, on January 21, 2025, the Knicks edged the Nets 99–95 at the Barclays Center, despite several fourth-quarter lead changes. Towns led New York with 25 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists. Anunoby added 20, Brunson chipped in 17, and Hart filled the stat sheet with 12 boards and nine assists. D’Angelo Russell led Brooklyn with 23 and 10.
Prediction
ESPN.com favors New York at 74%. Seems fair. With nothing on the line for either team, expect a looser, anythiung goes kinda game. Brooklyn may take more risks, while New York might lean on its bench—or take the opportunity for the starters to iron out some kinks before the playoffs. Whatever the strategy, look for the Knicks to close out their regular season campaign with a low-sweat, low-stress win. New York +15.
Game Details
Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Start Time: 1:00 PM ET
Broadcast: MSG
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