New York Knicks vs Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Pick & Prediction 1/3/25

The New York Knicks are currently on a nine-game winning streak and are 3rd in the Eastern Conference. They will be taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have won 13 straight and are 1st in the Western Conference. The Thunder are favored by 4.5 points and the over/under line is set at 221.5.

This non-conference matchup will be played at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 ET and the game can be seen on NBA TV.

NEW YORK KNICKS VS OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER BETTING PICK

The Pick: New York Knicks +4.5

This game will be played at Paycom Center at 8:00 ET on Friday, January 3rd.

WHY BET THE NEW YORK KNICKS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 135-122 in favor of the Knicks.
• Our projections have Jalen Brunson finishing with 28 points, 3 rebounds and 7 assists.
• From the field, we have the Knicks finishing with a field goal percentage of 48.5% and knocking down 16 threes.

Can the Knicks Pull Off a Win at Oklahoma City?

The Knicks improved to 24-10 on the season with a 119-103 win over the Jazz on Wednesday. Playing at home, New York entered the game as 12-point favorites and covered the spread. The combined score of 222 points fell just short of the 228-point over/under line.

After trailing 25-24 at the end of the 1st quarter, the Knicks took control by outscoring the Jazz 32-21 in the 2nd quarter. Although Utah edged New York 33-31 in the 3rd quarter, the Knicks pulled away in the 4th, outscoring the Jazz 32-24 to seal the win.

The Knicks shot 55.3% from the field in their win over the Jazz, with Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way, finishing with 31 points and 21 rebounds. Mikal Bridges added 27 points, shooting 70.6% from the floor.

New York struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 9 threes, but connected at a 39.1% rate. OG Anunoby contributed 12 of his 22 points in the 3rd quarter, while Towns scored 11 in the 4th.

The Knicks put together a strong defensive performance on Wednesday, holding the Jazz to 103 points. They were especially effective in the 2nd and 4th quarters, allowing just 21 and 24 points, respectively. Overall, New York limited Utah to 40% shooting from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Knicks held the Jazz to 30% shooting, with Utah making 13 threes. The Knicks also sent the Jazz to the line 15 times, where they hit 12 free throws. Defensively, New York recorded 10 steals and 6 blocks.

Can Oklahoma City Deliver Being Favored at Home?

With a 116-98 victory over the Clippers on Thursday, the Thunder improved to 28-5 this season. Playing at home, Oklahoma City was favored by 12 points and covered the spread. The game’s total points were 214, just under the line of 214.5.

After trailing 30-22 at the end of the 1st quarter, the Thunder took control by winning the 2nd quarter 26-22. A dominant 3rd quarter, where they outscored the Clippers 42-20, allowed them to cruise through the 4th, which ended 26-26.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a win over the Clippers, scoring 29 points and dishing out 8 assists. He shot 52.9% from the field, hitting 2 threes at 40%, and scored 15 of his points in the 3rd quarter. Jalen Williams added 18 points, with 10 coming in the 3rd quarter.

The Thunder shot 50% from the field and made 14 threes at a 36.8% rate. Ajay Mitchell and Isaiah Hartenstein each contributed 11 points, with Mitchell scoring 7 in the 4th quarter and Hartenstein adding 7 in the 3rd.

The Thunder put together a strong defensive effort on Thursday, holding the Clippers to just 98 points. Oklahoma City gave up 30 points in the 1st quarter but tightened up in the 2nd and 3rd, allowing only 22 and 20 points, respectively.

From beyond the arc, the Thunder limited the Clippers to 11 made threes on 34% shooting. Oklahoma City also sent Los Angeles to the line 17 times, where they made 11 free throws. The Thunder finished with 11 steals and 3 blocks.