With that in mind, for the matchup of the game, we look to the big men in the middle as the league's top rebounders face off in New York. Season Stats: Karl-Anthony Towns is thriving in New York, with career-highs in rebounding and three-point percentage.

New York and Sacramento face off in non-conference action. The teams meet Saturday for the first time this season.

Dec 30, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) dribbles against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The New York Knicks leaned on a strong fourth quarter to rout the Sacramento Kings 143-120. New Yor led 72-67 at halftime before dominating the second half 71-53.

New York Knicks (29-16 ... Conference scoring 48.3 points per game in the paint led by Domantas Sabonis averaging 13.1. The Knicks average 116.6 points per game, 2.2 more points than the 114.4 ...

BOTTOM LINE: Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks host the Sacramento ... points per game in the paint led by Domantas Sabonis averaging 13.1. The Knicks average 116.6 points per game ...

The pecking order at the top of the league has been set for a while (as evidenced by very little movement at the top of this week's Power Rankings), but the deadline provides a quick shot of adrenaline and variety,

Let’s have fun by starting with trading De’Aaron Fox.

Keon Johnson led a balanced Brooklyn attack with 18 points, and the Nets snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 104-83 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.

Sacramento lost, 117-104, at the Wells Fargo Center, against a 76ers team missing former MVP Joel Embiid and All-Star Paul George, and that was also playing on the back end of a back-to-back.