The Suns (22-15) are coming off a 117-98 victory Jan. 7 at Memphis, while the Knicks (24-13) won their last game, 123-111, Jan. 7 at the Los Angeles Clippers to snap a four-game losing skid.

The NBA legend believes the veteran big man would instantly secure the New York Knicks as the favorites in the Eastern Conference

Knicks predicted to trade for $175 million former Lakers superstar, NBA champion originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The New York Knicks have hit a rough patch lately.

New York will remain without one of its most versatile contributors as it opens a demanding four-game road trip in Phoenix.

You can live stream NBA games all season long with Fubo, which offers a free trial. They carry all the channels you need, never to miss the action, including nationally broadcast channels like ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV, as well as local team coverage. Spread: NYK -1.5

The New York Knicks face the Phoenix Suns Friday at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET.

The Knicks could most certainly use the additional depth, even with Josh Hart set to return from injury soon. Despite being 37, Batum has proven himself a useful member of the Clippers' squad. However, Los Angeles is on a big upswing and may be more reticent to trade him than they would have been earlier in the season.

Tyrese Maxey scored 36 points, Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe each had 26 and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the New York Knicks 130-119 on Saturday night for their third straight victory.