Nets Carry Blowout Memories Into Knicks Matchup

The Brooklyn Nets head to Madison Square Garden on November 2 to face the New York Knicks, a matchup that follows Brooklyn’s first victory of the season. The Nets are 1-5, while New York is 2-4, and the Knicks are favored by 14.5 points.

Brooklyn’s recent trips to the Garden were punishing. The Nets lost 134-98 on November 9, 2025, then fell 120-66 on January 21, 2026. That defeat was the largest in the rivalry and the second-largest in Nets history.

Michael Porter Jr. said the team should keep the setbacks in mind and use the matchup as motivation. Julius Randle, who spent five seasons with the Knicks and made three All-Star teams during that stretch, said he was focused on helping Brooklyn build on its recent performance.

Mikel Brown Jr. is expected to return after missing the Nets’ win in Indiana while managing a back issue, though he will remain under a minutes restriction. The rookie point guard played a career-high 28 minutes against Boston before logging 23 against Detroit.

Day’Ron Sharpe contributed 15 points and 13 rebounds in the win over Indiana, along with four assists. Coach Jordi Fernández praised his impact, while Porter said consistent rebounding from Sharpe could make Brooklyn difficult to beat. New York’s Jose Alvarado is listed as day to day with an ankle injury; Nets guard Egor Demin is listed out with a leg injury.