Friday night and the ‘Mecca of Basketball’ hosts the hardworking and happy-go-lucky kids from Oklahoma City. These NBA teams played each other a week ago and the home team handed the visiting Knicks a ten point loss. Now, the Knicks are at home and look to return the favour. Furthermore, Isaiah Hartenstein returns to NYC after signing a lucrative deal in OKC.

Both of these teams have championship aspirations, a non-conference matchup, awards-worthy players on both sides — this is why we love the NBA.

Game Information

• Madison Square Garden in New York, NY
• Oklahoma City Thunder (30-6) visit New York Knicks (25-13)
• Previous Matchup: January 3rd, 2025 117-107 Win for OKC at Home

Oklahoma City Thunder @ New York Knicks

The new year has not been kind to the Knickerbockers as they’ve dropped three of their last 5 games. Their two wins in that span coming agains the lowly Utah Jazz and struggling divisional rival Toronto. The boys in blue and orange have a tough weekend as they host SGA and OKC Friday night in the garden and then Giannis and company come into town for a Sunday matinee. Oh, then they face the maturing and dangerous Pistons on Monday. Tom Thibodeau and the rest of the coaching staff know that this slide could become prolonged if they are not careful.

“I don’t know if it’s a dumb conversation, but shout-out to our training staff. They do a great job. And our strength and conditioning staff. And our coaches. All of them.”

Jalen Brunson was asked about the discourse surrounding the Knicks’ minutes: pic.twitter.com/KaSCxIGxcM

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) January 9, 2025

Cleveland just ended the Thunder’s impressive win streak. You know this rambunctious bunch is ready to start a new one. Gilgeous-Alexander’s teammates are starting to campaign for his MVP run. Shai’s numbers do not lie. He should be in consideration for the award if the wins keep coming. Their latest win streak included wins against Boston, New York, Memphis, and Minnesota in that stretch. All this and their real starting lineup hasn’t even played together yet.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: “I love Oklahoma City. I can’t see a world where I’m not in OKC. Market, no market. I don’t care. I love where I am. … I go to work everyday with a smile on my face.” pic.twitter.com/uetv4bpF4a

— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) January 9, 2025

NBA Game Analysis

New York is a solid rebounding team that limits opponents second chance opportunities. They play staunch stay-at-home defence then allow for their stars to lead them to victory. Their game plan here will be no different. Karl-Anthony towns will need to have another big night on the glass. He’s averaging a career high 14.0 RPG. The Thunder are 29th in offensive rebounds allowed. If the Knicks beat the Thunder it’s because they absolutely owned the glass.

Isaiah Hartenstein was loved by Knicks fans. He returns to the Mecca and he should be greeted with a warm welcome. He’ll be battling KAT all night long. Oklahoma’s path to victory likely means he plays well. They are a small team and he’s their only true centre on the roster. He played very well in the loss to Cleveland, and he should continue that against KAT, another big body that will require iHart’s compete level to be high.

The Knicks do not force a lot of turnovers and the Thunder cause chaos and lead the league in that category. The Knicks will try play slower to limit fast breaks and turnovers. They already play at 26th slowest pace in the association. This could be a tight game with a lower total as the Knicks won’t want the Thunder running. They are 8th in fast break points per game.

However, and unfortunately for the Knicks, if this game is low and tight that still favours the Thunder. The game under has hit in nine out of the last thirteen games OKC was favourited. The Knicks are facing a tough task at a time they are already struggling. SGA should add to his MVP case with a noteworthy performance for the hostile Knicks faithful.

Isaiah Hartenstein Double Double (-150)

A long, long time ago an enigma of a man named Stoney Bets taught me to “Pay the Juice Man!” He’s coming back to New York and the Thunder need him to facilitate as much as they need him to rebound. Additionally, his hook shot has looked insanely impressive. He was on triple double watch against Cleveland playing more traditional bigs. I expect him to have similar success here against KAT who can get lost at times defensively.

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