Watch Live Knicks vs. Suns for Free in the US
Watch Live Knicks vs. Suns for Free in the US

The Phoenix Suns at New York Knicks matchup is one of the weekend’s best NBA watches, and it comes with a twist for viewers: it’s a national NBA TV game with local broadcasts in-market, which means your best option depends heavily on whether you’re in New York, Phoenix, or somewhere else.

Game Info

  • Game: Suns at Knicks

  • Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026

  • Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. ET

  • Location: Madison Square Garden (New York)

  • National TV: NBA TV

  • Local TV (in-market): MSG (Knicks market) and Arizona’s Family 3TV / Suns Live (Suns market)

Read more:

- NBA Weekend Watch Guide (Jan. 17–19): Must-See Games, TV Schedule, Injury Checkpoints, and Betting Angles

- Top 5 Games Sports Fans Can’t Miss This Weekend in the US

- How to Watch NBA Games on MLK Day Without Cable or an Antenna

How to Watch Knicks vs. Suns in the USA (free, legal)

1) The reality check: there is no true “free TV” for this game

Because the national carrier is NBA TV, you generally won’t get a free over-the-air option like ABC.
So “watch free” in the US usually means a legal free trial or a temporary promo—not a permanent free channel.

2) Best “no cable” solution: live TV streaming services that carry NBA TV

If you want the cleanest setup on a smart TV, laptop, or phone, use a live TV streaming service that includes NBA TV (and your local channels).

Common options that often carry NBA TV (availability can vary by ZIP code and plan):

  • YouTube TV (sports add-ons may apply in some markets)

  • Fubo

  • DIRECTV STREAM

  • Hulu + Live TV (lineup varies)

How to watch (step-by-step):

  1. Choose a service and confirm NBA TV is in the channel lineup for your ZIP code.

  2. Install the app on Roku / Fire TV / Apple TV / smart TV, or watch in a browser.

  3. Search “NBA TV” at game time and start the live feed.

How to watch for free (legally):

Most of these services periodically offer free trials for new customers. Sign up, watch, and cancel before the trial converts if you don’t want to pay. (Trial length and availability change often, so always verify before committing.)

3) If you live in-market: MSG and Suns local broadcasts still aren’t “free”

ESPN lists local broadcasts as MSG (New York area) and Arizona’s Family 3TV / Suns Live (Phoenix area).

In practice, MSG is typically part of a pay TV bundle or a streaming package that carries it. The Suns local option varies, but you should assume you’ll need a supported TV/streaming provider unless your local station offers a free stream (not guaranteed).

4) NBA League Pass in the US: useful, but blackouts are the catch

NBA League Pass is great if you’re out of market, but in the US and Canada it’s affected by local and national blackouts.

Because this game is on NBA TV and also has local market carriers, League Pass may not show it live for many US viewers (it may become available on-demand later).

If you want to check your exact blackout situation, the NBA advises using the ZIP code search on the League Pass purchase page.

Worldwide: how to watch Knicks vs. Suns outside the US

NBA League Pass is the simplest global answer

The NBA’s own help center notes that every NBA game is available live with NBA League Pass in every country except the US and Canada, where blackouts apply.

So if you’re outside the US (and often outside Canada), League Pass is usually the most direct, legal way to watch Knicks–Suns live.

What you get:

  • Live game stream (in most countries)

  • Full replay and condensed replay options

  • Multi-device viewing (phone, tablet, laptop, smart TV app)

If you’re in Canada, you’re more likely to need a national TV provider (TSN/Sportsnet) for blacked-out games, with League Pass becoming a replay option after the game.

Read more: Can I Watch NBA Games on MLK Day for Free in the U.S? Four Legal Streaming Options

Game preview: what actually decides Knicks vs. Suns

The baseline: Knicks are elite at home, Suns are solid but streaky on the road

ESPN lists New York at 25–15 overall and 16–4 at home, while Phoenix sits at 24–16 overall and 10–11 on the road.
That’s a strong MSG edge before you even get to matchups.

This game has recent history (and it matters)

These teams just played on Jan. 9, and Phoenix won 112–107.
That’s important because it tells you the Suns have already solved some of New York’s looks—and the Knicks will respond with adjustments.

Injury swing points to monitor (check again near tip)

As of ESPN’s game page on Jan. 16:

  • Suns: Devin Booker listed out (ankle), plus other rotation names listed out/GTD.

  • Knicks: Jalen Brunson listed out (ankle) and Mitchell Robinson listed out (ankle).

If both Booker and Brunson sit, the game becomes less about star duels and more about:

  • Which team generates easier shots without its primary organizer

  • Which bench unit survives the non-starter minutes

  • Who wins the free-throw and turnover margins

Tactical watch list (simple, real, and predictive)

  1. Knicks’ shot quality vs. Suns’ shot-making
    New York typically wants controlled possessions and clean defensive exits. Phoenix is comfortable living off runs, especially when opponents miss a few in a row.

  2. Rebounding and second chances
    ESPN’s team leaders show New York getting strong rebounding from Karl-Anthony Towns (team rebound lead shown on the page).
    If the Knicks dominate the glass, they can win even with limited guard creation.

  3. The “late clock” problem
    With Brunson potentially out, New York’s late-clock offense can get sticky. Phoenix will try to keep it close and turn the last five minutes into a shot-making contest.

Prediction

ESPN lists Phoenix as +3 on NBA TV, implying the Knicks are small home favorites.

My read:

  • If Brunson is out and Booker is also out, I lean Knicks in a grind because MSG + rebounding + defense travel well in single games.

  • If Brunson plays, I like New York more comfortably.

  • If Brunson sits and Phoenix gets unexpected guard help, the Suns are live to steal it late.

Pick: Knicks 109, Suns 105 (defense + home edge), with Phoenix covering as a live underdog if Brunson remains out.

Bottom line

You can watch Knicks vs. Suns live and legally:

  • In the US, via free broadcast TV (if applicable), live TV streaming services, or NBA League Pass

  • Worldwide, most reliably through NBA League Pass International

You don’t need cable, and in many cases you don’t need to pay much at all. With the right setup, this is one of the best NBA games of the weekend—and an easy one to watch.