New York Knicks vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction NBA Picks 1/3/25
Oklahoma City Thunder (27-6) vs New York Knicks (24-10)
Game Info: Friday, January 3, 2025 at 8:00 pm (Paycom Center)
Betting Odds: Oklahoma City Thunder -5.5 --- Over/Under: 220.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks have been in red-hot form as they've won 14 of their last 16 games, and they will be eager to build on their current nine-game win streak after routing the Jazz in a 119-103 win on Wednesday. Cameron Payne led the team with 31 points, 21 rebounds, and four assists, Mikal Bridges added 27 points on 12 of 17 shooting, OG Anunoby added 22 points while Josh Hart tallied a triple-double of 15 points with 14 rebounds and 12 assists. As a team, the Knicks shot 55 percent from the field and nine of 23 from the 3-point line as they went on a run in the second quarter to take a 10-point lead into halftime. It only grew in the second half, when the Knicks were in cruise control. The Knicks will face the Bulls and Magic following this one.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been on a tear as they've won 17 of their last 19 games overall and they will be gunning for a ninth straight victory after routing the Clippers in a 116-98 home win last night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 29 points and eight assists on nine of 17 shooting, Jalen Williams added 18 points while Isaiah Hartenstein chipped in with 11 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. As a team, the Thunder shot 50 percent from the field and 14 of 38 from the 3-point line as they struggled to get going and trailed by four points heading into halftime. OKC flipped a switch and exploded for 40 points in the third quarter to put the game to bed early with a 28-point lead. The Thunder will take on the Celtics after this game.
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder will win
- The Thunder have won 15 of their last 16 games against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back.
- The Knicks have lost each of their last seven night games against Thunder teams that held a winning record.
- The Knicks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games at Paycom Center when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Thunder have covered the spread in each of their last four games against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of the Knicks' last 10 games as underdogs against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone OVER the total points line.
- Nine of the Thunder's last 10 games as favorites against the Knicks have gone OVER the total points line.
New York Knicks vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction
The Knicks are keeping an eye on Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride who are both questionable, while the Thunder will again be missing Chet Holmgren, Alex Ducas, and Alex Caruso to name a few. This is definitely one of those games where you need to check the lineups before tip-off. I'm assuming that the Knicks are missing a couple of players, I will be going with the Thunder to maintain their momentum with another win and cover at home.
Peter’s Pick Oklahoma City -5.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
