Mavericks vs. Knicks: A Martin Luther King Day Showdown
The Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks are set to clash on Martin Luther King Day in a highly anticipated matchup. This game, part of the NBA’s annual MLK Day showcase, will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock, giving fans across the nation a chance to witness what promises to be a compelling contest. This in-depth preview will break down the key matchups, tactical approaches, and how to catch all the action live.
Game Information
Teams: Dallas Mavericks (Projected Record: 30-15) vs. New York Knicks (Projected Record: 27-18)
Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM ET
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City
TV: NBC
Live Stream: Peacock
The Luka Factor vs. The Brunson Evolution
The headlining matchup is undoubtedly between Luka Dončić of the Mavericks and Jalen Brunson of the Knicks. Both players are having MVP-caliber seasons, albeit in very different contexts. Dončić continues to orchestrate the Mavericks’ offense with his unparalleled playmaking and scoring ability. His ability to control the tempo and create opportunities for his teammates is central to Dallas’s success. On the other side, Brunson has blossomed into a bona fide superstar in New York, leading the Knicks with his scoring prowess and clutch performances. He’s become the undisputed leader of the Knicks, a role many questioned he could fulfill after his departure from Dallas.
Luka Dončić: Offensive Engine
Dončić’s offensive game is multifaceted. He’s a threat to score from anywhere on the court, whether it’s driving to the basket, pulling up for a step-back three, or posting up smaller defenders. Defensively, the Knicks will likely throw multiple looks at him, including double teams and switching assignments to keep him off balance. Expect Quentin Grimes and OG Anunoby to take turns guarding him, with Julius Randle potentially helping on double teams. The key for the Knicks will be to limit Dončić’s easy looks and force him into tough, contested shots. They need to make him work for every point and ensure he doesn’t get his teammates involved easily.
Dallas, however, can counter by utilizing Kristaps Porziņģis’s floor spacing. Porziņģis’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc forces opposing big men to step out, opening driving lanes for Dončić. If the Knicks overcommit to Dončić, Porziņģis will have opportunities to exploit mismatches and knock down open shots. His presence also deters opposing teams from sending double teams, as he can make them pay with his shooting ability.
Jalen Brunson: The Knick’s Floor General
Brunson’s impact on the Knicks cannot be overstated. He’s not just a scorer; he’s a leader who sets the tone for the team with his relentless energy and determination. His ability to penetrate the defense and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates is crucial to the Knicks’ offensive success. The Mavericks will likely assign their best perimeter defender, Josh Green, to guard Brunson. Green’s athleticism and tenacity will be key in containing Brunson’s drives to the basket. Dallas may also try to disrupt Brunson’s rhythm by trapping him on pick-and-rolls and forcing him to pass the ball to less reliable scorers.
The Knicks can counteract this by utilizing their size and strength advantage in the frontcourt. Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson can set solid screens to free up Brunson and create mismatches. Randle’s ability to score in the post and Robinson’s offensive rebounding prowess will put pressure on the Mavericks’ defense and create second-chance opportunities. The Knicks also need to involve RJ Barrett, who needs to be aggressive in attacking the basket and knocking down open shots to alleviate the pressure on Brunson.
Tactical Breakdown: Offense and Defense
Dallas Mavericks: Offensive Strategies
The Mavericks’ offense revolves around Luka Dončić’s playmaking. They utilize a heavy dose of pick-and-roll action, with Dončić either scoring himself or finding open teammates for easy baskets. Kristaps Porziņģis’s ability to stretch the floor is also a key component of their offense. The Mavericks also like to run isolation plays for Dončić, allowing him to use his size and skill to create scoring opportunities against smaller defenders.
To be successful against the Knicks, the Mavericks need to move the ball effectively and avoid getting bogged down in isolation plays. They need to exploit the Knicks’ defensive weaknesses by attacking the basket and kicking the ball out to open shooters. They also need to be aggressive on the offensive glass to create second-chance opportunities. Key to their success will be the performance of role players like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Reggie Bullock, who need to knock down open shots and provide additional scoring punch.
New York Knicks: Offensive Strategies
The Knicks’ offense is predicated on Jalen Brunson’s ability to create scoring opportunities. They rely heavily on pick-and-roll action and isolation plays for Brunson. Julius Randle’s scoring and rebounding are also crucial to their offensive success. The Knicks also like to utilize their size advantage in the frontcourt to score in the post and create second-chance opportunities.
To be successful against the Mavericks, the Knicks need to move the ball effectively and avoid relying too heavily on Brunson’s scoring. They need to involve their other players, such as RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, in the offense and create open looks for them. They also need to be aggressive on the offensive glass and capitalize on their size advantage in the frontcourt. A strong performance from Randle will be critical, as he needs to be aggressive in attacking the basket and scoring in the post.
Dallas Mavericks: Defensive Strategies
The Mavericks’ defense has improved significantly this season, thanks to the addition of defensive-minded players like Josh Green and the continued development of their young players. They are a team that likes to switch on defense, which allows them to contain opposing teams’ pick-and-roll action. They also do a good job of protecting the paint and limiting second-chance opportunities.
To be successful against the Knicks, the Mavericks need to contain Jalen Brunson’s penetration and limit his scoring opportunities. They need to be physical with him and force him to take tough, contested shots. They also need to limit the Knicks’ offensive rebounding and prevent them from getting second-chance points. The Mavericks will likely focus on packing the paint and forcing the Knicks to shoot from the outside. The performance of their perimeter defenders, such as Green and Bullock, will be key in containing the Knicks’ guards.
New York Knicks: Defensive Strategies
The Knicks’ defense is one of the best in the league, thanks to their size, athleticism, and tenacity. They are a team that likes to play physical and aggressive defense, and they do a good job of protecting the paint and limiting second-chance opportunities. They also excel at forcing turnovers and getting out in transition.
To be successful against the Mavericks, the Knicks need to contain Luka Dončić’s scoring and playmaking. They need to throw multiple looks at him and force him to take tough shots. They also need to limit the Mavericks’ three-point shooting and prevent them from getting easy looks from beyond the arc. The Knicks will likely focus on packing the paint and forcing the Mavericks to shoot from the outside. The performance of their perimeter defenders, such as Grimes and Anunoby, will be key in containing Dončić and the Mavericks’ other guards.
Key Matchups Beyond the Stars
While Dončić vs. Brunson is the marquee matchup, other battles on the court will significantly impact the game’s outcome:
* Kristaps Porziņģis vs. Julius Randle: This matchup of stretch-fours will be crucial. Porziņģis’s ability to space the floor and Randle’s strength in the post will test each other’s defensive capabilities.
* Josh Green vs. RJ Barrett: Green’s defensive tenacity against Barrett’s scoring ability will be a key factor in controlling the perimeter.
* Mitchell Robinson vs. Mavericks’ Center Rotation: Robinson’s rebounding and rim protection will be vital for the Knicks, while the Mavericks’ center rotation (likely a combination of Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber) will need to limit his impact on the glass.
Injury Report
As of today, January 19, 2026:
* Dallas Mavericks: Maxi Kleber is listed as questionable with a left knee contusion.
* New York Knicks: Mitchell Robinson is listed as probable with a sore ankle.
It’s important to check the latest injury reports closer to game time, as player availability can change quickly.
Prediction
This game is expected to be a close, hard-fought battle between two of the Eastern Conference’s top teams. The Mavericks’ offensive firepower, led by Luka Dončić and Kristaps Porziņģis, will be a tough test for the Knicks’ defense. However, the Knicks’ home-court advantage and Jalen Brunson’s stellar play make them a formidable opponent. Ultimately, the game will likely come down to which team can execute their game plan more effectively and make the necessary adjustments down the stretch. I’m leaning slightly towards the Knicks due to their home-court advantage and defensive prowess, but the Mavericks are more than capable of pulling off the upset.
Predicted Score: Knicks 112, Mavericks 109
How to Watch
The game will be broadcast nationally on NBC. You can also stream the game live on Peacock. Coverage begins at 2:30 PM ET with pre-game analysis.
FAQ
What time does the Mavericks vs. Knicks game start?
The game is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM Eastern Time on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Where is the Mavericks vs. Knicks game being played?
The game will be played at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
What TV channel is the Mavericks vs. Knicks game on?
The game will be broadcast nationally on NBC.
Can I stream the Mavericks vs. Knicks game online?
Yes, you can stream the game live on Peacock.
Who are the key players to watch in the Mavericks vs. Knicks game?
Key players to watch include Luka Dončić (Mavericks), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Kristaps Porziņģis (Mavericks), and Julius Randle (Knicks).
What are the Mavericks’ strengths?
The Mavericks’ strengths include their offensive firepower led by Luka Dončić and Kristaps Porziņģis, as well as their improved defense.
What are the Knicks’ strengths?
The Knicks’ strengths include their strong defense, Jalen Brunson’s stellar play, and their home-court advantage.
Is Kristaps Porziņģis playing against his former team?
Yes, Kristaps Porziņģis is playing against his former team, the New York Knicks, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to the game.
Are there any significant injuries for either team?
As of January 19, 2026, Maxi Kleber is listed as questionable for the Mavericks, while Mitchell Robinson is listed as probable for the Knicks. It’s important to check the latest injury reports closer to game time.
What is the predicted outcome of the game?
The game is expected to be a close, hard-fought battle. The Knicks are slightly favored due to their home-court advantage and defensive prowess, but the Mavericks are capable of pulling off the upset.