NY Knicks (24-10) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (28-6)
January 3, 2025 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Oklahoma City Thunder -4.5; Over/Under: +220.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The NY Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder meet Friday in NBA action at the Paycom Center. Here’s an Oklahoma City Thunder vs NY Knicks Prediction. This article will include an Oklahoma City Thunder vs NY Knicks Pick.
NY Knicks Betting Preview
The NY Knicks beat the Wizards and Jazz, and they play the Bulls, Magic, and Raptors next. The NY Knicks are averaging 117.9 points on 49.9 percent shooting and allowing 109.7 points on 46 percent shooting. Jalen Brunson is averaging 25.2 points and 3 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 24.9 points and 3.3 assists. Mikal Bridges is the third double-digit scorer and OG Anunoby is grabbing 5 rebounds. The NY Knicks are shooting 38.8 percent from beyond the arc and 80.3 percent from the free throw line. The NY Knicks are allowing 36.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.3 rebounds per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Timberwolves and Clippers, and they play the Celtics, Cavs, and Knicks next. The Oklahoma City Thunder are averaging 115.3 points on 46.6 percent shooting and allowing 103.3 points on 42.5 percent shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.3 points and 6 assists, while Jalen Williams is averaging 21 points and 5.9 rebounds. Chet Holmgren is the third double-digit scorer and Isaiah Hartenstein is grabbing 12.4 rebounds. The Oklahoma City Thunder are shooting 34.5 percent from beyond the arc and 81.4 percent from the free throw line. The Oklahoma City Thunder are allowing 33.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44 rebounds per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs NY Knicks Injury Report
The Thunder will be without Alex Caruso, Alex Ducas, Adam Flagler, Chet Holmgren, and Nikola Topic. None of those players played last night against the Clippers. Caruso is still dealing with a hip issue and hasn’t played since December 23.
The Knicks are without Mitchell Robinson. Brunson and Miles McBride are questionable. Brunson has a calf issue and McBride has a hamstring injury. Brunson obviously impacts the line greatly, so check the injury report before betting. If neither can’t go, it’s the Cameron Payne show, along with the newly acquired Landry Shamet.
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder will win
- The Thunder have won each of their last eight games.
- The Knicks have lost each of their last eight games against Thunder teams that held a winning record.
- The Thunder have covered the spread in each of their last five games at Paycom Center against teams that held a winning record.
- The Knicks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games at Paycom Center following a win.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Knicks’ last seven games as road underdogs against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back has gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Thunder’s last seven games as favorites against the Knicks has gone OVER the total points line.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs NY Knicks Prediction
I’d love to grab the points with the Knicks, as they’re rolling right now with nine straight wins. I just can’t do it seeing McBride and Brunson on the injury report. If neither is able to play, the Knicks are cooked with Payne and others in the backcourt. It wouldn’t matter that the Oklahoma City Thunder are on the end of a back-to-back. Also, even if they play, the Thunder are 14-2 SU at home and 22-9-3 ATS on the season. The Thunder blindly makes you money. The line is reasonable. Give me the Thunder and the reasonable number. However, check the injury report before betting.
