The OKC Thunder will play in a rare matinee that takes place at noon on the East coast meaning the hometown fan base will have to tune in at 11 a.m. CT.
With such an early start it might take a while for the guys to shake off the rust and as the visiting team, it could have a larger effect on the Thunder.
Parity is running amok in the NBA as teams have completed between 11 and 14 games. It’s unlikely anyone expected the Thunder and Warriors to be tied at this point in the season but that’s precisely where they find themselves after the big win Friday.
In fact, eight Western Conference teams have between five and seven wins entering play Sunday and the Knicks are in a similar circumstance as one of six teams who have six wins while another two clubs have seven wins.
With the Warriors, Kings, and Wolves also in action today a win by the Thunder could help them gain some traction and move up the ladder.
Let’s dive into the details of the match.
- Scroll down for our Thunder Knicks Prediction and Game Details
OKC Thunder vs Raptors Odds, Spread, Over/Under
The oddsmakers make the 6-6 Knicks 5.5 points favorites with a projected over/under of 225.5 points.
The moneyline odds tap the Thunder at plus +200 and the Knicks at minus -240
Some other betting notables:
- OKC is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.
- The Knicks are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games.
- The total has gone over in 6 of OKC’s last 8 games.
- The total has gone under in 4 of New York’s last 6 games.
- The Thunder are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games.
- The Knicks are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games at home.
- OKC is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games against the Knicks.
- The total has gone over in 6 of 8 games between the teams.
- The Thunder are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games against the Knicks.
- New York is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games against OKC on their home court
- The Thunder are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games on the road.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Thunder Starting Lineup:
Head coach Mark Daigneault threw us a curve ball on Friday switching up the starting rotation with Alesej Pokusevski and Aaron Wiggins inserted.
He’s indicated the starting rotation will be fluid and the only locks are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Luguentz Dort.
Since Mitchell Robinson got injured Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has used different players to replace him in the starting rotation — typically Isaiah Hartenstein or Jericho Sims depending on the opponent.
Both coaches are likely to try to outmaneuver the other in this regard and Daigneault could elect to go big with POKU and JRE or run back the same unit he used versus the Raptors that was so successful and stick with Wiggins and POKU.
Although the Raptors offer a unique situation given their predominant 6’8 roster one would think the Thunder bench boss would stick with the lineup that posted such an impressive victory so that’s who I’m guessing he goes with.
- Josh Giddey
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Luguentz Dort
- Aaron Wiggins
- Aleksej Pokusevski
Injury Report
Darius Bazley missed the game Friday due to a tweaked ankle and is listed as questionable for Sunday. Chet Holmgren (foot) is out for the season.
On the Knicks side of the equation, Mitchell Robinson (knee) is out indefinitely.
OKC Thunder vs. Knicks Stats Comparison and Prediction
Both teams bring defensive intensity to the court and struggle to score from the perimeter. A deeper comparison shows just how similar these squads are.
The OKC Thunder hold opponents to fewer points per game (113.9) which ranks 18th versus the Knicks who allow 114.5 opponent points per game ranking 20th.
New York holds opponents to 44.0% from the field and 34.2% from the perimeter ranking third and sixth respectively. In contrast, OKC allows 45.9% from the field and 35.9% from deep ranking 12th and 16th.
On the offensive end of the court, the Knicks average 113 points per game (14th) versus the Thunder’s almost identical 113.4 points (12th).
The area that demonstrates just how similar these clubs are lies in their offensive efficiency with both clubs shooting 45.1 percent from the field. And while OKC sits in the unenviable 29th position for 3-point percentage (31.5%) the Knicks are only one spot ahead of them in 28th shooting 32.5%.
A big advantage for the Thunder lies in the hustle areas like steals and blocks where they rank second and fourth compared to the Knicks 25th and 15th.
Both teams hit the glass but the Knicks are strong on both the offensive and defensive glass albeit the loss of Mitchell impacts their ability because even when he wasn’t rebuilding he was clearing the paint for his teammates to grab boards.
Both teams also love to score in the paint with OKC ranking first (56.7) and the Knicks fifth (55.0).
Per usual, the Thunder bring the turnover edge to the court creating fewer than their opponents and turning their miscues into easy scores.
With so little separating these teams the match could come down to who brings the energy the earliest and sustains it the longest. Given the Thunder’s average age is almost three years younger than the Knicks I’ll give the edge to OKC.
Thunder 106 – Knicks 105
What channel is the Thunder-Knicks game on?
Per usual, the game will be broadcast on Bally Sports Oklahoma or NBA League Pass.
It’s a rare matinee with tip-off at Madison Square Gardens set for noon EST (11:00 am CT).
OKC Thunder vs. Knicks Live Stream
If you need a live stream of the event, check out FuboTV for a free trial! (or the NBA app).
Thunder Next Game and Schedule
The OKC Thunder will begin a three-game week finishing a back-to-back set as they travel to Boston to play the rested Celtics.
The road trip has two more stops facing the Wizards on Wednesday and Grizzlies on Friday and then get a much-needed weekend off.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.