The New York Knicks are riding high as they approach a pivotal matchup against the Washington Wizards on February 3, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. With a current six-game winning streak—their longest of the 2025-26 regular season—the Knicks have a golden opportunity to extend it to seven games, which would mark a new season-high mark and further solidify their status as one of the Eastern Conference’s top contenders.
As of early February 2026, the Knicks sit at 31-18, placing them second in the Eastern Conference. This surge comes after a challenging stretch earlier in the season, including a rough January period where they lost nine of 11 games at one point. The turnaround has been fueled by improved defensive intensity, balanced scoring, and key contributions from their star-studded lineup, headlined by Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart.
The Current Winning Streak: How It Built Momentum
The Knicks’ six-game run began in late January and has featured dominant performances, particularly in the second half of games. Highlights include:
- A wire-to-wire demolition of the Portland Trail Blazers (127-97), where New York hit 19 three-pointers and held opponents under 100 points for the fourth time in five streak games at one stage.
- Strong showings against varied competition, with multiple double-digit victories showcasing their depth and resilience.
The streak reached six games with a convincing 112-100 home win over the Los Angeles Lakers on February 1, 2026 (or late January/early February depending on scheduling). In that game, OG Anunoby led with 25 points, Landry Shamet came off the bench with 23 (including clutch fourth-quarter threes), Josh Hart added 20, and Jalen Brunson dished out a season-high 13 assists alongside his scoring. The defense clamped down late, limiting the Lakers despite strong outings from Luka Dončić (30 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists) and LeBron James.
This momentum has the Knicks playing their best basketball of the season, with analysts noting gains in trust among teammates, better transition defense, and efficient offense. They’ve covered the spread in six straight games during this run, often as favorites.
The Matchup: Knicks vs. Wizards
The Wizards enter the game at 13-35, dead last or near the bottom in the East (14th place). They’ve struggled mightily this season, with poor records against Eastern foes (around 8-19) and league-worst differentials in points allowed. Washington averages high turnovers (15.2 per game) and ranks near the bottom in scoring (112.3 PPG) and point differential (-10.2).
However, the Wizards showed signs of life recently, winning against the Sacramento Kings on February 1 (116-112) and taking three of their last four games at one point. Young talents like Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, and Corey Kispert provide occasional scoring bursts, but consistency remains an issue.
The teams met earlier this season on November 3, 2025, with the Knicks winning comfortably 119-102. Karl-Anthony Towns dominated with 33 points and 13 rebounds, while Brunson and Anunoby each scored 16. Expect a similar mismatch unless Washington forces turnovers or gets hot from three.
Betting Odds and Expectations
The Knicks are heavy favorites:
- Spread: Knicks -13.5 to -14
- Moneyline: Knicks -820 (implying ~89% win probability), Wizards +570
- Over/Under: 226.5
Projections from models suggest a Knicks victory around 121-111. New York has won 70% of games as favorites this season and covered in recent streak games. The Wizards have won only about 27% as underdogs.
Keys to Extending the Streak
For the Knicks to reach seven straight wins:
- Defensive Dominance — Continue holding opponents under 110 points. Their recent streak featured elite rim protection and perimeter defense from Bridges and Anunoby.
- Ball Movement and Shooting — Brunson orchestrates, Towns provides inside-out threats, and role players like Shamet (hot from deep during the streak) and Hart add energy.
- Avoid Complacency — As a road game against a weaker team, this is a classic “trap” spot. The Knicks must maintain focus, especially with tougher matchups looming (e.g., potential games against Boston, Detroit).
- Injury Management — Reports indicate Mitchell Robinson may miss time due to the team’s season-long plan, but the core remains healthy.
If they win, it would tie or surpass any prior regular-season streak (noting the NBA Cup Final win over San Antonio doesn’t count officially toward regular-season records).
Broader Implications for the Knicks’ Season
This game represents more than just another win. The Knicks have transformed from a team questioned after a cold stretch to a legitimate threat. With stars like Brunson (clutch scoring), Towns (versatile big), and defensive wings, they’re building chemistry at the right time. A seventh straight win would boost morale heading into the All-Star break and trade deadline period, where rumors (like potential Giannis pursuits) swirl.
The Wizards, meanwhile, are in rebuild mode, focusing on development rather than wins. This matchup highlights the gap between contenders and lottery teams.
In a season where the East remains competitive (with teams like Cleveland, Boston, and others vying), the Knicks’ surge positions them well for a deep playoff run. Ending a 50+ year championship drought starts with consistency like this.
As tip-off approaches on February 3, 2026, all eyes are on whether New York can keep the momentum rolling and claim that season-long streak extension against a rebuilding Wizards squad. The signs point to yes—the Knicks are playing with purpose, and this feels like their game to lose.
