Knicks Aim for Playoff Surge Against Trail Blazers Sunday

NEW YORK, March 30, 2025 — The New York Knicks (46-27) are poised to secure their playoff positioning as they host the struggling Portland Trail Blazers (32-42) this Sunday at Madison Square Garden. With eight games remaining in the season, the Knicks are looking to capitalize on a home-court advantage that has eluded them in recent years.

Sitting third in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks have a 3.5-game cushion over the fourth-place Indiana Pacers and are 8.5 games behind the Boston Celtics for the second seed. Their recent form shows some inconsistency, however, managing a 6-7 record in their last 13 games despite a strong showing against the Milwaukee Bucks, winning 116-107 on Friday.

“They did an amazing job taking what’s there,” Knicks forward OG Anunoby said about his team’s performance against the Bucks. Anunoby led the team with 31 points, demonstrating his scoring prowess that has propelled him to a career-high streak of 23 or more points in his last five games.

Despite recent victories, the Knicks will again be without guard Jalen Brunson, sidelined due to an ankle injury. Coach Tom Thibodeau remains optimistic about the team’s depth, relying on key players such as Karl-Anthony Towns, who has stepped up in Brunson’s absence.

On the other hand, the Trail Blazers come into this matchup having lost three straight games, including a 21-point defeat against the Sacramento Kings. Portland has essentially shifted its focus to developing younger talent like Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe, while also navigating an uncertain injury situation that includes forward Jerami Grant and center Deandre Ayton, both likely out.

“We need to keep fighting,” said Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups. With their dreams of the Play-in tournament fading—a position currently held by the Sacramento Kings, who are four games ahead—Portland is focused on making the most of their remaining schedule.

In their last encounter on March 12, the Knicks edged out the Blazers 114-113 in overtime, with Mikal Bridges clinching the win with a buzzer-beater. This latest matchup has raised questions about whether the Blazers can exact revenge, particularly given their current roster struggles.

The Knicks are slight favorites, but recent performances have left bettors uncertain about their consistency this season. They hold a 17-15-1 record against the spread at Madison Square Garden, raising questions about their ability to cover margins as favorites.

As the Knicks look to maintain momentum heading into the playoffs, they will need to address their offensive struggles without Brunson, averaging only 111.5 points per game this month—ranking them ninth worst in the league.

Tip-off is at 3 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, and fans can tune in through NBA TV or local networks.

As the game approaches, it remains unclear if Anfernee Simons will be available for the Blazers. His absence could further tip the scales in favor of the Knicks, despite their own injury woes.