New York Knicks vs Denver Nuggets Picks and Predictions January 29th 2025

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The New York Knicks are in the midst of a historic scoring run, while the Denver Nuggets are searching for answers defensively as both teams prepare for a high-stakes showdown at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.

New York’s five-game homestand has started in record-breaking fashion, while Denver, in the middle of its longest road trip of the season, is reeling from consecutive defeats.

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Knicks’ Historic Scoring Surge

The Knicks (6-6 vs. playoff teams) have opened their homestand with back-to-back 140+ point performances, marking their most prolific offensive stretch in nearly 60 years.

  • 143-120 win vs. Kings (Saturday)
  • 143-106 win vs. Grizzlies (Monday)

This marks the first time since December 1965 that New York has hit 140+ points in consecutive games. In that historic stretch, the Knicks beat the Baltimore Bullets (150-127) and San Francisco Warriors (141-137).

Dominant Defensive Play

It’s not just offense—New York’s defensive intensity has also been impressive.

  • The Knicks forced 20 steals against the Grizzlies—the second-most by any NBA team this season (Atlanta had 22 vs. Toronto on Dec. 29).
  • New York outscored Memphis 83-54 in the second half, holding the Grizzlies to just 17 points in the third quarter.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau praised the team’s collective effort:

“We had to be tied together. I loved our overall activity. Our defensive energy was terrific—big-time, multiple-effort game.”

With upcoming home games against the Lakers (Saturday) and Rockets (Monday), the Knicks will continue to test themselves against top-tier competition.


Nuggets’ Defensive Collapse

Meanwhile, the Nuggets (33-16) are struggling to contain opponents. Denver has surrendered a staggering 262 points in its last two losses:

  • 129-121 loss to Bulls (Monday)
  • 133-110 loss to Timberwolves (Sunday)

This marks the Nuggets’ worst defensive two-game stretch since October, when they gave up 264 points in consecutive overtime games.

Fourth-Quarter Meltdown vs. Bulls

Denver held a 10-point lead in the third quarter against Chicago but collapsed down the stretch:

  • Allowed 34 fourth-quarter points
  • Chicago shot 54.2% (13-of-24) from the field
  • Bulls hit 6-of-13 threes (46.2%) in Q4

Head coach Michael Malone was blunt in his criticism:

“We messed with the game. We let them hang around, and they drove the ball down our throats—drive-and-kick three, drive-and-kick three. All because we couldn’t guard the ball or wouldn’t get back.”

Denver has now lost two straight for the first time since December 25-27 and will look to avoid its first three-game losing streak since February 2024.

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Nikola Jokić’s Brilliance Overshadowed

Despite Denver’s struggles, three-time MVP Nikola Jokić continues to dominate.

Against Chicago, Jokić posted a historic triple-double:

  • 33 points, 12 rebounds, 14 assists
  • Became first player ever to shoot 10-of-10 FG in a first half while recording at least 8 assists.

While Jokić’s brilliance keeps the Nuggets competitive, their defensive issues could spell trouble against a Knicks squad firing on all cylinders.


Key Matchups to Watch

1. Knicks’ Defense vs. Jokić

  • The Knicks will need Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein to contain Jokić in the paint.
  • Expect double-teams and physical play to disrupt Denver’s offensive rhythm.

2. Can the Nuggets Fix Their Perimeter Defense?

  • The Nuggets allowed seven Bulls players to score in double figures—a major red flag.
  • If New York’s Mikal Bridges (28 points vs. Memphis) and Jalen Brunson get hot from deep, Denver could be in trouble again.

3. Momentum vs. Desperation

  • The Knicks are surging, aiming for a third straight dominant win.
  • The Nuggets are desperate, looking to avoid their first three-game losing streak in nearly a year.

Prediction & Outlook

The Knicks’ momentum, defense, and home-court advantage give them a strong edge, but Jokić remains the ultimate X-factor. If Denver’s defense doesn’t tighten up, expect New York to continue its historic run and secure another statement victory at Madison Square Garden.

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Final Score Prediction: Knicks 125, Nuggets 116

Will New York’s dominant run continue, or can Jokić carry Denver back on track? Tip-off is set for Wednesday night in what promises to be a thrilling battle.

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