Knicks vs Kings Injury Report: Health Gap Shapes NBA Clash on January 14, 2026
The New York Knicks travel to face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The game tips off at 10:00 PM ET at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. This matchup looks less like a tactical battle and more like a test of roster depth. Availability issues are defining the contest before it even begins.
Sacramento Kings Grapple with Significant Absences
The Sacramento Kings enter this game with a long and troubling injury list. Several core players will miss the action. Domantas Sabonis is out with a partial tear in his left meniscus. Keegan Murray will not play due to a left ankle sprain. Dennis Schröder is sidelined because of a league suspension.
Additionally, three players are unavailable due to G League assignments. Trey Jemison III, Alex Len, and Isaiah Stevens are all with the Stockton Kings. This leaves the Sacramento frontcourt severely depleted.
With so many pieces missing, the Kings must lean heavily on their remaining veterans. DeMar DeRozan, Russell Westbrook, and Malik Monk will need to handle most of the scoring and playmaking duties. The team's rotation is much shorter, making minute management a critical challenge for the coaching staff.
New York Knicks Enjoy Relative Health Advantage
The New York Knicks present a stark contrast. Their injury report is remarkably short. Only one player is confirmed out. Landry Shamet remains sidelined with a right shoulder sprain.
More importantly, the Knicks welcome back a key contributor. Josh Hart has returned to the lineup after missing eight consecutive games. His immediate presence adds valuable defense, rebounding, and stability to the Knicks' rotation. This gives New York a significant edge in available talent.
How to Watch the Game
Fans can catch the action through several broadcast options. The national television broadcast will air on NBA TV. Regional coverage is available for local viewers. Knicks fans can tune into MSG Network. Kings supporters can watch on NBC Sports California.
For streaming, options include NBA League Pass, ESPN+, and FuboTV. The radio broadcast will be available on SiriusXM NBA Radio. Pre-game coverage begins 30 minutes before tip-off on the official NBA website.
Team Stats and Season Context
The team records highlight the current disparity. The New York Knicks are estimated to have a strong record near 28-15, positioning them as a contender in the Eastern Conference. They average 112.5 points per game while allowing only 106.8. Their defense ranks among the league's best, recently holding opponents under 107 points.
The Sacramento Kings are struggling with a record of 9-30 in the Western Conference. They score 108.2 points per game but give up 115.4. Their poor record reflects ongoing injury problems, though recent wins have come from strong bench performances.
Key Players and Game Outlook
All eyes will be on the star players who are available. For the New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson leads the charge. He averages nearly 29 points and over 6 assists per game, controlling the offense with consistency. Karl-Anthony Towns provides steady interior production with points and rebounds.
The Sacramento Kings need heroic efforts from their remaining stars. DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook must carry the offensive load in Sabonis's absence. Malik Monk's scoring bursts are crucial for the Kings to stay competitive in the game.
Sportsbooks list the New York Knicks as 9.5-point favorites. The total points line is set around 228.5. If the Knicks maintain their usual defensive intensity, they should control the pace and outcome of the game. Sacramento's path to an upset requires efficient scoring, strong home crowd support, and another standout performance from Malik Monk.
