Thunder Game Day: OKC Begins Tough East Coast Road Trip in New York

The Thunder match up with the Knicks to start a five-game slate against Eastern Conference teams.

Dec 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) drives to / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

The Thunder head to the northeast for one of their toughest road trips this season.

Oklahoma City will start its five-game slate away from home with a matchup against the New York Knicks. One of the league’s grittiest teams, the Knicks will present the Thunder with a number of challenges.

New York, led by first-time All-Star Jalen Brunson, will look to win the star matchup, which could be easier if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains out. Still, coming off vastly different performances, the teams will both be looking for an important win.

Mar 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) shoots the ball / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

ODDS: 

The Thunder enter the day as 3.5-point underdogs to the Knicks, and the total over/under is 215.5 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME: 

After his 61-point game in San Antonio, slowing Brunson will be one of the Thunder’s top priorities. At 6-foot-2, Brunson will see various Thunder defenders, including defensive stars Lu Dort and Cason Wallace.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s potential absence could force some players into more minutes, but Oklahoma City’s depth could give Mark Daigneault’s team an advantage. Although New York’s loss in San Antonio came in overtime, Tom Thibodeau played four starters more than 40 minutes. In comparison, no Oklahoma City player played more than 37 minutes in Wednesday’s overtime loss against the Houston Rockets.

Sunday’s game will also be a clash of styles. The Knicks have the league’s slowest pace, while the Thunder rank in the top 10. 

Josh Giddey will have a chance to continue his hot streak in what is seemingly his favorite road arena. In his first two games in Madison Square Garden, Giddey posted triple-doubles. With only one this season, he could have a solid opportunity for his second if Gilgeous-Alexander can’t go.

RECORDS: 

Oklahoma City Thunder (51-22) vs. New York Knicks (44-29)

INJURIES: 

Check out our live injury tracker, along with our game day injury report that will release later today.

WHEN: 

Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 6 PM CT

LOCATION: 

Madison Square Garden - New York City, NY

TV/RADIO: 

Bally Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

Live Stream: fuboTV (Start Your Free Trial)

FINAL WORD:  

A win in New York would be big for the Thunder’s chances at taking the top seed in the West. With only a couple of weeks left in the regular season, every game is crucial for the Thunder’s seeding and preparation.

Oklahoma City will continue its road trip on Tuesday in Philadelphia as it begins a back-to-back against the 76ers and Boston Celtics. 

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