NBA Game Today: Dallas Mavericks vs New York Knicks - January 18, 2026

🏀 Today's matchup features the Dallas Mavericks taking on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York.

📺 Broadcast: Gotham

⏰ Tip-off Time: 1/19/2026, 10:00:00 PM

Match Preview

NBA Game Today: Dallas Mavericks vs. New York Knicks Showdown at Madison Square Garden!

Basketball fans, get hyped! The NBA matchup everyone's buzzing about is going down on January 18, 2026, as the Dallas Mavericks roll into the Big Apple to face off against the New York Knicks at the iconic Madison Square Garden. If you're looking for your hoops fix, this is the "Dallas Mavericks game today" you don't want to miss! Whether you're catching it live at MSG or watching the action unfold on Gotham, this game promises nothing short of fireworks.

Key Player Matchups to Watch: Luka Magic vs. RJ Barrett

The spotlight is on, and the key player matchup to salivate over is Luka Dončić versus RJ Barrett. Luka, aka the Maestro from Slovenia, will flaunt his slick ball-handling and laser-sharp passing against RJ, the Knicks' homegrown juggernaut and Canadian sensation. Expect Luka's court vision to collide head-on with Barrett's bulldozer drives and silky perimeter shooting. And let's not forget about the giants in the paint—Kristaps Porziņģis in Mavs blue might clash with the Knicks' beast of a center Mitchell Robinson in what could be a battle of the titans above the rim!

Strengths and Weaknesses: Where the Game Could Be Won or Lost

The "Dallas Mavericks game today" will showcase a team that thrives on ball movement and floor spacing. Dallas loves nothing more than burying threes and spreading teams thin. Luka is the kingpin here, flaunting wizard-like vision that turns Mavericks' games into shooting clinics. However, the Mavs' kryptonite has often been their defensive lapses, occasionally leaving open lanes that even a Grand Canyon road trip would envy.

On the flip side, the "New York Knicks game today" is all about grit and grind. Tom Thibodeau's Knicks get down and dirty on defense, relying on a mix of stifling perimeter pressure and paint protection. However, their Achilles' heel? Sometimes the offense sputters like a jalopy in winter. They'll need to find consistency and trust each other to make smart passes and nail those crucial shots.

What Each Team Needs to Do to Win

Heading into this scrum, the Mavericks need to exploit New York's scoring droughts. If Dallas can keep the game chugging at a high-octane pace, forcing the Knicks to chase, Luka's leadership and poised shooting from deep will be their golden ticket. Defensive cohesion is critical. Bank on ensuring the Knicks don't find any rhythm beyond the arc or in transition.

Meanwhile, the Knicks need to unleash their defensive wolves, turning up the heat on Luka and closing out every shooter as if lives depend on it. But they also must find their form on offense—RJ Barrett and Julius Randle, with Robinson's alley-oop threats, should help create a balanced attack that keeps Dallas guessing.

NBA Game Today Predictions: Fasten Your Seatbelts, It's Game Time!

Time to put my "NBA bro" hat on and spit some fire: I'm calling it a slugfest with dazzling plays on both ends. Luka will dance his way to a near triple-double, but don't sleep on RJ putting a wrench in those plans with a buzzer-beater three in the fourth. How's that for an electric standoff at the Garden? I'm putting my chips on the Knicks sneaking away with a narrowly unpredicted win—107-104, sending Gotham's rafters quaking. Buckle up, because this game is destined to be a classic that hoop heads will talk about for ages!

🔥 Stay tuned for updates on today’s Mavericks vs Knicks NBA matchup!