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New York returns home looking for a response after a rare fourth-quarter breakdown in San Antonio. The Knicks led by 19 and still held a nine-point edge entering the final period before surrendering 38 points. It was only their first loss of the season when leading after three, but it highlighted growing defensive concerns. Atlanta enters with momentum of its own. The Hawks snapped a seven-game losing streak on New Year’s Eve with a wire-to-wire win over Minnesota. Kristaps Porzingis and Jalen Johnson both returned to the lineup and provided much-needed stability, even with Trae Young still sidelined. The Hawks had lost 12 of 17 before that win, but effort and execution looked sharper. For full slate context, visit the

The New York Rangers meet the Florida Panthers Friday night in a marquee Eastern Conference showdown under the lights at loanDepot Park. This Winter Classic-style outdoor event brings big implications and plenty of eyeballs. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. Florida enters this one as -148 favorites on the moneyline, with the Rangers priced at +125. The puck line splits at +1.5 (-205) for New York and -1.5 (+168) for Florida. The total is set at 5.5, juiced slightly toward the Over. This is a possible playoff preview and a chance to cash value on a neutral surface in an untraditional environment. Expect both clubs to bring playoff-level intensity. Both teams sit near the top of the East

Denver heads to Cleveland severely short-handed as injuries continue to reshape its rotation. Nikola Jokic is sidelined with a knee injury, and Jonas Valanciunas joined him on the injury list after straining his calf. With no true center available, the Nuggets are forced into smaller lineups and heavy minutes across the board. Cleveland, by contrast, is trending toward full health. The Cavaliers have won four of six and are starting to get extended minutes from their core group. Donovan Mitchell bounced back with a dominant all-around performance against Phoenix, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen anchored the interior. With more continuity, Cleveland’s defensive intensity has improved. For league-wide context and matchup previews, visit the NBA previews hub. Cleveland opened -6.5

The Minnesota Wild head west to face the Anaheim Ducks Friday night at Honda Center. Puck drops at 10:00 p.m. ET in what feels like a momentum game for both teams. Minnesota is finally finding some rhythm under new leadership, while Anaheim continues to rebuild and experiment with line chemistry through growing pains. The Wild sit just outside a Wild Card spot and need to capitalize on games like this. Anaheim, sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference, is trying to salvage some positives in a development-heavy season. The line reflects that urgency — Minnesota is favored on the road at -126, while Anaheim sits at +107. The puck line prices show a big split: Wild -1.5 at +193,