Oklahoma City Thunder vs New York Knicks: Game preview, live stream, TV channel, start time

Author Photo
Tim Hardaway Jr. and Paul George

Who's Playing

Matchup: Oklahoma City Thunder vs New York Knicks

Records: Thunder (27-18), Knicks (10-34)

Where to Watch

Date: Monday, Jan. 21

Time: 11:00 PM IST

TV: Sony Ten1

Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Game Preview

On Jan. 5, just over a couple of weeks back, the Oklahoma City Thunder had a 25-13 record, good for second in the Western Conference (one game behind the Denver Nuggets and 0.5 game ahead of the Golden State Warriors). However, since then, the Thunder have lost five of their seven games including a shocking 16-point loss to the Atlanta Hawks. 

They had the league-best defense for the season not long ago but they have now slipped to third (104.2) on that ranking. Over the last seven games, when they have gone 2-5, their defense is ranked 28th in the league with a rating of 118.8

Russell Westbrook leads the league in triple-doubles (13) with averages of 21.8 points (lowest since 2010), 10.6 rebounds, and 10.5 assists. The team is playing so well despite Westbrook averaging 4.5 turnovers per game (2nd in the league), shooting 41.4% from the field (lowest since rookie year), 23.8 from beyond the arc (lowest since 2010) and making a career-low 64.2% from the free-throw line.

Meanwhile, Paul George is having a career-year, averaging career-highs in points (26.7), rebounds (8.0), and steals (2.3).

Having said all of that, the Thunder are coming off a tight win in Philadelphia and, given the state of the Knicks' season, they should have this upcoming game comfortably in their hands. 

The Knicks' offense and defense are ranked in the bottom third of the league - offensive rating (25th - 105.3) and defensive rating (29th - 113.1).

This would be the Knicks' first game after returning from the league's lone regular-season game in London, where they lost to the Washington Wizards.

Game Notes

  • Hosts' Knicks are 4-14 at home in their 18 previous home games. 
  • On the other hand, the Thunder are 13-11 on the road.
  • The Knicks are said to definitely be without Kristaps Porzingis (Knee). Meanwhile, the duo of Enes Kanter (Personal) and Trey Burke (Illness) are game-time decisions.
  • The visiting Thunder are reportedly without Andre Roberson (Kneecap) and Alex Abrines (Personal).

Last Time They Played

Date: Nov. 15, 2018

Score: Knicks 103-128 Thunder

Knicks: Tim Hardaway Jr. - 20 points, and 3 rebounds on 50.0% shooting.

Thunder: Paul George - 35 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals on 59.1% shooting.

Box Score

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