The Los Angeles Lakers are poised to extend their winning streak to eight games as they face off against the New York Knicks on Thursday night. The Lakers boast a solid home record of 24-7 and are coming off a resounding 136-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Conversely, the Knicks, with a 40-21 record, recently suffered a loss against the Golden State Warriors, which has them looking to reclaim their form.

With tip-off scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers enter as 3.5-point favorites. LeBron James has been in stellar form, recording double-doubles in three of his last five games and averaging nearly 25 points per game this season. The addition of Luka Doncic has also yielded strong performances, including a recent 30-point outing. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson is leading the offensive charge, consistently contributing significant points and assists.

The New York Knicks faced yet another disappointing defeat against the Boston Celtics, who have dominated them all season. Despite a strong effort that saw the Knicks cut a 27-point lead to just four, they ultimately fell by 13 points. This loss highlighted their ongoing struggle against top-tier teams, as they now hold an 0-7 record against the Celtics, Cavaliers, and Thunder, the teams above them in the standings.

In response to these challenges, the Knicks made significant offseason moves, including acquiring Mikal Bridges and trading for Karl-Anthony Towns, aiming to replicate the success of the Celtics. However, coaching strategies and offensive efficiency have not translated into the expected results. The Knicks rank third in offensive efficiency but lack the 3-point attempt volume necessary to compete with elite teams.

The New York Knicks showcased their resilience, pulling off a thrilling 114-113 win against the Memphis Grizzlies, who are ranked second in the Western Conference. Jalen Brunson orchestrated a crucial play in the final moments, passing to OG Anunoby, who sank a game-changing three-pointer. Anunoby noted his confidence stemmed from diligent practice. Defensively, Mikal Bridges played a pivotal role, thwarting All-Star Ja Morant's last-second attempt, securing the win for the Knicks.

The Knicks trailed by as much as 12 points but rallied back through strong defensive plays and timely scoring. Mitchell Robinson made a significant impact in his season debut after recovering from ankle surgery, contributing to the team's defensive fortitude. Brunson led the scoring with 23 points, while Anunoby added 19. The Knicks now prepare for upcoming games against the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors.

Jalen Brunson showcased clutch performance, leading the New York Knicks to a narrow 110-105 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks snapped a two-game losing streak and secured their fourth consecutive win against the Sixers, marking a significant triumph as they pushed Philadelphia to a ninth straight loss. Brunson's late-game heroics included scoring 14 points in the final quarter, capping the night with a game-high 34 points. His pivotal three-pointer over Tyrese Maxey stemmed a late 76ers rally that had briefly put Philadelphia ahead.

Supporting Brunson, Mikal Bridges contributed 28 points, while Josh Hart made his presence felt on the boards with 17 rebounds. Despite the absence of star Joel Embiid, Maxey led the struggling Sixers in scoring but suffered a dismal shooting night from beyond the arc, going 0-of-10 on three-point attempts. The Knicks now look ahead to a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, which could further bolster their playoff positioning.

The New York Knicks faced a challenging weekend, losing 118-105 to the Boston Celtics after a lopsided 142-105 defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This loss marked the Knicks' struggles against elite Eastern Conference teams, now sitting at 37-20. Key players, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, underperformed, failing to provide the support necessary for postseason success. Bridges, acquired in a trade for five first-round picks, managed only 14 points, while Anunoby scored 10 on a disappointing shooting night.

Despite strong showings from Jalen Brunson, who scored 22 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns, contributing 24 points and 18 rebounds, the Knicks could not maintain momentum. Towns' return from a knee injury late in the game was promising but came too late to alter their fate. The Knicks have now lost five consecutive games against the Cavaliers and Celtics, with four defeats by double-digit margins. Their upcoming challenge against the struggling Philadelphia 76ers may be crucial in regaining confidence.