Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New York Knicks: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

We may be treated to a preview of the NBA Finals on Friday when the New York Knicks host the Oklahoma City Thunder in a heavyweight showdown. 

The Thunder’s claim to be the best in the West is hard to argue as they boast a 30-6 record and are at least five wins better off than any other team in their conference. 

The Knicks aren't the East's best - the Cleveland Cavaliers are in first at a league-best 33-4 and the reigning champion Boston Celtics are in second at 27-10 - but New York enters this clash in third place with a solid 25-13 record.

However, there is reason to believe that the Knicks could still go all the way this season. Coach Tom Thibodeau’s demanding style suits the playoffs and it would be no surprise to see them make a deep run in the postseason, making Friday’s clash with the Thunder a huge one. 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New York Knicks betting picks and predictions

New York Knicks +3.5 (-110)

As mentioned before, the Knicks are built for big games such as this. Defensive solidity and a physical approach have been staples of Thibodeau’s system for years - most notably during his five years with the Chicago Bulls - but never before has he had the offensive talent at his disposal that he does in New York. 

Jalen Brunson is one of the best guards in the NBA and is capable of putting up a huge points tally on any given night, Karl-Anthony Towns remains one of the best offensive big men in the league, and excellent role players such as Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart support the star duo.

All of that should work in their favor against the Thunder, and so will the bonus of home advantage as a raucous Madison Square Garden will look to create a cauldron-like atmosphere for the Western Conference leaders. These conditions mean the Knicks should at least keep things close on Friday. 

OKC saw their 15-game win streak snapped by the Cavaliers last time out but the fact they had gone on such a run highlights their strength.

That grueling clash with the Eastern Conference leaders will have left Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates somewhat depleted of energy and that could again work in the favor of the Knicks, who cruised to 112-98 victory over the Toronto Raptors in their last outing.  

New York has won seven of its last 10 games and it has covered a +3.5 line in eight of its 13 games. The odds for a Knicks straight-up win are appealing, but backing them on the spread could prove a safer play given the Thunder’s exceptional record. 

Karl-Anthony Towns Over 37.5 points & rebounds (-115)

The Knicks pulled off one of the biggest trades of the offseason when acquiring Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves and they have already begun reaping the rewards of that deal. 

KAT has impressed in the Big Apple, averaging 25.3 points and 14.0 rebounds per game while being extremely efficient from long range, knocking down 45 percent of his three-point attempts this season. 

He has never averaged so many rebounds or made as many of his three-pointers in his professional career, and his points-per-game stats are the highest they have been since the 2019/20 campaign. He's the biggest threat to the Thunder on Friday. 

Former Knick Isaiah Hartenstein will be the man tasked with keeping Towns quiet and while he is a capable defender, it is hard to imagine he has what it takes to keep KAT from dominating on at least one front at MSG. 

Notably, he has obliterated his points and rebound line of 37.5 in the majority of his last six appearances. KAT has put up figures of 44, 45, 52, 39, 60 and 40 when combining points and rebounds in his last six games and he should pass his line again. 

Towns is only getting better, with his average points per game rising to 27.7 over the past 10 contests, and he can enjoy another big night with the rock and on the boards on Friday. 

Luguentz Dort Over 1.5 steals & blocks (-135)

With the Knicks likely to try and feed Towns at every opportunity, the Thunder will need to cut passing lanes as often as possible, Luckily, that is something they are very adept at. 

Gilgeous-Alexander is a capable defender in his own right but even he will admit that his teammate and compatriot, Luguentz Dort, is the Thunder’s defensive linchpin. 

Dort is averaging 0.8 blocks and 1.1 steals this season and his relentless energy means he is feared by even the league’s best offensive guards. The Canadian will be tasked with keeping tabs on Brunson while also helping out with Bridges, and that could open up plenty of opportunities for more steals and blocks. 

The Thunder star seems to relish road games, where his averages in blocks and steals rise to 1.1 and 1.6, and he will be looking to disrupt the hosts with regularity on Friday - just as he did in last week’s meeting where he recorded one block and one steal. 

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Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New York Knicks odds

Oklahoma City Thunder	-165 ML
New York Knicks	+140 ML
Spread	OKC Thunder -3.5
Total Points	O/U 225.0

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New York Knicks player props

Player Points

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC Thunder)	O/U 32.5
Jalen Brunson (NY Knicks)	O/U 23.5
Karl-Anthony Towns (NY Knicks)	O/U 23.5
Jalen Williams (OKC Thunder)	O/U 20.5
Mikal Bridges (NY Knicks)	O/U 17.5
OG Anunoby (NY Knicks)	O/U 15.5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.