New York Knicks vs Oklahoma City Thunder Picks and Predictions January 10th 2025

Knicks Host Thunder in Anticipated Finals Preview Rematch

The New York Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder collide Friday night at Madison Square Garden in a much-anticipated rematch of two potential NBA Finals contenders. Both teams are among the top seeds in their respective conferences and are coming off defining performances earlier this week.

Knicks Rebound With Towns Back in Action

The Knicks snapped a three-game skid on Wednesday with a convincing 112-98 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Karl-Anthony Towns, back in the lineup after missing Monday’s loss to the Orlando Magic due to a right knee injury, posted a dominant 27-point, 13-rebound double-double.

Towns’ return solidifies a Knicks lineup that has thrived when its primary starters—Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, and Josh Hart—are healthy. The team improved to 22-11 with that quintet on the court this season.

Towns, who now has 31 double-doubles in 35 games, emphasized the team-first mentality driving New York’s resurgence:

“I’m not really worried about me, I’m worried about the team,” Towns said. “We had a three-game skid. For us to find our way (Wednesday) and for me to be able to play, I’m just happy we were able to get this win.”

The Knicks (24-12) sit comfortably in third place in the Eastern Conference, three games ahead of the Orlando Magic, and are aiming to secure home-court advantage for the playoffs.

Thunder Eye Redemption After Streak Ends

The Thunder’s franchise-record 15-game winning streak came to an end Wednesday in a 129-122 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite the setback, Oklahoma City remains the top seed in the Western Conference, six games ahead of the Houston Rockets.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder with 31 points against Cleveland, marking his 21st 30-point game this season. Reflecting on the team’s stellar stretch, Gilgeous-Alexander remained optimistic:

“Losing twice in a month-and-a-half I’ll take, no matter what stage the games are on,” he said.

The Thunder’s loss to Cleveland was only their second defeat in over a month, with the first coming in the NBA Cup championship game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 17—a contest not counted toward the regular-season standings.

Even without injured center Chet Holmgren, who has been sidelined since Nov. 10 with a pelvic fracture, Oklahoma City has maintained dominance with a 22-4 record over that stretch. Holmgren is traveling with the team on its current road trip and could return soon, boosting an already formidable lineup.

Key Matchup: Towns vs. Gilgeous-Alexander

Friday’s game features two MVP-caliber stars in Karl-Anthony Towns and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Towns’ return to form is vital for New York as they look to avenge a 117-107 loss to Oklahoma City earlier this month.

Gilgeous-Alexander, meanwhile, continues to anchor the Thunder’s offense, showcasing his ability to score and facilitate. The Knicks will need strong defensive efforts from Anunoby and Bridges to contain his explosiveness.

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High Stakes and Playoff Implications

The Knicks are looking to build momentum during their current homestand, which could be critical for seeding in a crowded Eastern Conference. For the Thunder, maintaining their lead atop the West remains the priority as they navigate this tough road trip.

This matchup promises high energy and playoff-like intensity, as two of the league’s top teams battle to assert their dominance in what could be a preview of the NBA Finals. With Towns back and Gilgeous-Alexander surging, fans can expect a memorable clash at the Garden.