Game Details:
- Matchup: New York Knicks at Dallas Mavericks
- Date: Wednesday, November 19
- Time: 9:30 PM EST
- Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
- TV: ESPN, MSG
- Betting Odds: Knicks -4.5, Total 228.5u
Matchup Breakdown
The New York Knicks travel to Dallas for a primetime showdown against a Mavericks team that will be without one of its brightest stars. Both squads are navigating significant injuries, turning this matchup into a battle of depth and resilience.
The Knicks, favored by 4.5 points on the road, will rely on their signature brand of physical defense and the offensive leadership of Jalen Brunson. However, they will be without a critical piece of their defensive identity. According to recent reports, forward OG Anunoby remains out with a hamstring injury, and his absence will be felt on the perimeter. The Knicks have also been managing the health of center Mitchell Robinson, who has been listed on recent injury reports with an ankle issue, making their frontcourt depth a potential concern.
For the Dallas Mavericks, the story revolves around who isn’t playing. Star guard Kyrie Irving has been ruled out with a knee injury, placing the entire offensive burden squarely on the shoulders of Luka Dončić. While Dončić has proven he can deliver spectacular performances and carry his team, doing so against a disciplined Tom Thibodeau-coached defense without his primary co-star is a monumental task. The Mavericks will need their role players to step up significantly on both ends of the floor to support Dončić and counter New York’s physicality.
Injury Report
- New York Knicks:
- OG Anunoby (F): Out (Hamstring)
- Mitchell Robinson (C): Questionable (Ankle)
- Dallas Mavericks:
- Kyrie Irving (G): Out (Knee)
Prediction
This game will be a true test of the “next man up” mentality. The Mavericks have the best player on the court in Luka Dončić, but the absence of Kyrie Irving is a devastating blow to their offensive firepower and creativity.
The Knicks, while missing the elite defensive presence of OG Anunoby, are the deeper and more system-oriented team. They are built to win gritty, defense-first games. Even on the road, their depth should allow them to wear down a Mavericks team that will be overly reliant on Dončić to create every shot. Expect Jalen Brunson to control the pace and exploit a Dallas defense that is weaker without Irving on the floor. The Knicks’ physicality and team-first approach should be enough to overcome Dončić’s individual brilliance.
With two major offensive players out (Irving and Anunoby), points may be harder to come by than the total suggests. The Knicks play at a deliberate pace, and without Irving, the Mavericks’ high-powered offense takes a significant hit. This points towards a lower-scoring affair.
Prediction: Knicks 114, Mavericks 107
The Pick: Knicks -4.5
Total: Under 228.5
Sources:
New York Knicks Injury Status – ESPN
Knicks Injury Tracker: Jalen Brunson upgraded to questionable for …
New York Knicks Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBS Sports
Is Mitchell Robinson Playing Today? Knicks Injury Report
Knicks injury report: 3 starters listed for Friday’s game vs. Celtics …
Celtics-Knicks injury report: Both sides shorthanded in the frontcourt
Bulls vs Knicks injury report: Coby White, Mitchell Robinson, and more
Knicks Injury Report: Derrick Rose (ankle) questionable against …
2024-25 New York Knicks Injury Report – NBA | FOX Sports
New York Knicks Injury Status – ESPN (UK)