- What: NBA Regular Season Game
- When: January 3, 2025
- Who: New York Knicks vs. OKC Thunder
- Time: 5:00 p.m. PST
- Where: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, OK)
Tonight, two of the NBA’s hottest teams clash as the New York Knicks (24-10) visit the Oklahoma City Thunder (28-5) at the Paycom Center. Tipoff is set for 8:00 PM ET, with national coverage on NBA TV.
The Thunder are favored by 4.5 points, and the over/under is set at 223.5 total points.
Both teams enter this game riding impressive streaks. The Knicks are coming off a dominant 119-103 victory over the Jazz on New Year’s Day, extending their win streak to nine games.
The Thunder, meanwhile, have won 13 of their last 14, including a convincing 116-98 victory over the Clippers. Their only loss in that span came in the NBA Cup Championship against the Bucks.
New York
The Knicks are monitoring the status of Jalen Brunson (calf) and Miles McBride (hamstring).
Brunson’s potential absence would significantly impact New York’s offense, which relies heavily on his playmaking.
Friday Night Knicks ????
Get The Gotham Sports App: https://t.co/qjvjYiTRVV pic.twitter.com/aurePgET7v
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 3, 2025
This matchup pits two teams with contrasting strengths.
The Thunder thrive on defense, ranking first in Adjusted Net Rating, while the Knicks boast a high-powered offense that excels on the road (4th best-road team this season).
OKC
On the Thunder’s side, Alex Caruso (hip) and Chet Holmgren (hip fracture) remain out.
Holmgren’s absence puts more pressure on Isaiah Hartenstein, who faces his former team for the first time since signing with Oklahoma City in free agency.
Hartenstein has been a defensive anchor for the Thunder and will be critical in containing Karl-Anthony Towns.
Right back at it in OKC ⛹️♂️
????️ Doors open at 5:30PM
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???? FanDuel Sports Network
???? @sportsanimal pic.twitter.com/6jpdhWA2CW— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 3, 2025
A key area to watch is the 3-point line, particularly the corner 3, where Mikal Bridges has been lights out.
Bridges is shooting 46% from the corners this season, and the Thunder allow corner 3s at one of the highest rates in the league.
If the Knicks can capitalize on this weakness, they could keep the game within reach.
Knicks-Thunder Best Bet
Given Oklahoma City’s rest disadvantage—they’re playing their third game in four days—combined with New York’s stellar road performance, this game feels closer than the spread suggests.
The Thunder are likely to win outright, but the Knicks +4.5 (-105) offers excellent value for bettors. Expect a hard-fought contest between two elite squads.
Thunder win, but the Knicks cover the spread.
Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
