Preview: Struggling Kings Visit Surging Knicks at MSG NEW YORK (Interstat) — The New York Knicks look to continue their push in the Eastern Conference standings when they host the struggling Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks (28-18) enter on a two-game winning streak, including a 112-109 road victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. Guard Jalen Brunson has been the catalyst, averaging 26.1 points and 5.8 assists over his last 10 games. He scored 31 points in the win over Philadelphia. New York sits comfortably above .500, but will be seeking revenge after a 112-101 loss in Sacramento just two weeks ago on Jan. 14. Brunson played only five minutes in that contest before exiting with an injury. The Kings (12-35) arrive mired in a five-game losing skid, most recently a 139-116 road defeat to the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. Their season has been defined by defensive struggles, allowing an average of 122.3 points during their current slump. Sacramento’s bright spot remains forward Domantas Sabonis, who is coming off a 24-point, 16-rebound performance in a loss at Cleveland on Jan. 23. He provides a versatile interior challenge, averaging a near triple-double of 12.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists over his last five games. The Knicks’ defense, anchored by OG Anunoby and Josh Hart, will aim to contain Sabonis and force Sacramento’s role players to beat them. New York has held opponents under 100 points in two of its last three home games. For the Kings, stopping Brunson’s pick-and-roll execution and limiting New York’s second-chance opportunities will be critical to ending their slide. The Knicks rank among the league leaders in offensive rebounding. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. EST at Madison Square Garden. Following this game, the Knicks travel to face the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, while the Kings continue a difficult road trip in Philadelphia on Thursday.