OKC Thunder vs New York Knicks: Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips | March 31, 2024

The OKC Thunder will embark on a road trip to face a series of Eastern Conference teams, beginning with the New York Knicks. As this is an interconference game, the two teams will only play each other twice during the regular season, and this will already be their second matchup.

At the moment, OKC is in a tie for the top spot in the Western Conference with the reigning champions Denver Nuggets (51-22). On the same day as the Thunder’s game against the Knicks, the Nuggets are also facing the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks, on the other hand, hold the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference (44-29) and are closely trailing the Cavs by only half a game.

Predictions and Matchup Breakdown for OKC Thunder vs New York Knicks

The game between the Thunder and Knicks will take place at Madison Square Garden and is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. ET.

The game will be broadcasted on MSG and Bally Sports OK for local viewers. It is also available for streaming on NBA League Pass or Fubo TV, both of which require a subscription.

The moneyline for the Thunder-Knicks game is +132 for the Thunder and -160 for the Knicks.

Total (Over/Under): Thunder Over 215 (-111) vs Knicks Under 215 (-110)

Oklahoma City Thunder vs New York Knicks Game Preview

On Dec. 27, 2023, the Oklahoma City Thunder faced off against the New York Knicks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams both had impressive performances, scoring a total of 72 points between them, with each player contributing 36 points.

In that game, Chet Holmgren was a dominant force on both offense and defense, tallying 22 points and blocking four shots.

On the opposite end, Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson were the top scorers for the New York Knicks, with 25 and 24 points each. In addition to their dynamic duo, two other starting players also recorded double-digit scores. Specifically, Donte DiVincenzo contributed 17 points, while RJ Barrett added 14 points to the team’s overall score.

Immanuel Quickley, who was later traded to the Toronto Raptors along with Barrett in exchange for OG Anunoby, entered the game as a substitute and scored 22 points.

The Paycom Center was the venue for the game, with the OKC Thunder as the hosts. They made the most of their homecourt advantage and emerged victorious with a score of 129-120.

Despite the changes in the Knicks’ roster and the impact of key injuries, the outcome of their second matchup could either vary or remain consistent.

Starting Lineups for OKC Thunder vs New York Knicks Matchup

Despite missing the Thunder’s last two games due to a quadriceps injury, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is still uncertain for the upcoming game against the Knicks. If he is unable to play for the third consecutive game, OKC’s head coach Mark Daigneault may have to adjust his starting lineup to account for his absence.

Starting lineup: Josh Giddey at point guard, Aaron Wiggins at shooting guard, Luguentz Dort at small forward, Jalen Williams at power forward, and Chet Holmgren at center.

If SGA is available, it is likely that Giddey will shift to the shooting guard position and Wiggins will come off the bench. The Thunder’s reserves, consisting of Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, Kenrich Williams, Jaylin Williams, and Gordon Hayward, will play crucial roles.

Despite ongoing injuries, the New York Knicks could potentially use this starting lineup:

The starting lineup consists of Jalen Brunson at point guard, Miles McBride at shooting guard, Donte DiVincenzo at small forward, Josh Hart at power forward, and Isaiah Hartenstein at center.

Isaiah Hartenstein (likely, wrist sprain) and Mitchell Robinson (uncertain, sprained left ankle) are both listed on the Knicks’ injury report. In the event that they are unable to play, Precious Achiuwa could potentially assume the starting center position, with Jericho Sims serving as his primary backup.

Expect Bojan Bogdanovic to play a significant role as the main backup for the Knicks, especially with the injuries they are facing, which will likely result in him receiving ample playing time.

Expert Betting Tips for OKC Thunder vs New York Knicks

Despite having a high mark to reach at 29.5 points, Jalen Brunson, who has an average of 27.9 points per season, is not one to be doubted.

Despite their loss against the Spurs, Brunson managed to score 61 points and it seems like he could continue on this streak. While it’s unlikely that he will reach the 60-point mark again, it’s a safe bet that he will still perform well.

Despite only reaching this mark twice in the past five games, Chet Holmgren’s over/under is set at 16.5 points. However, with SGA still sidelined and the Knicks’ top defenders nursing injuries, there is potential for him to have a solid scoring performance. Therefore, betting on his over is a reliable choice.

Predicting the Outcome of the OKC Thunder vs New York Knicks Matchup

Both the OKC Thunder and the New York Knicks are teams in their respective conferences that have made it to the playoffs.

The Thunder hold the psychological advantage, having emerged victorious in their initial encounter, while the Knicks are seeking retribution. This has the potential to be an intense showdown that may come down to the final moments.

According to the oddsmakers, the Knicks are favored to win this game.