Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Broadcast: ESPN (national); MSG (local Knicks); FDSOK (local Thunder)
Radio: 880 ESPN New York / WWLS 98.1 FM OKC
Game Context
- Thunder: 1st in Western Conference (23-8 away), +11.2 net rating, elite defense (107.9 opponent PPG, league-best), top-5 offense (119.1 PPG). They lead the NBA in fewest points allowed and rank among the top in steals and blocks.
- Knicks: 3rd in Eastern Conference (23-8 home). Strong home dominance but vulnerable against elite Western Conference teams. They average 117.2 PPG scored and allow 110.9.
This is the first meeting of the 2025-26 season between the teams.
Injury Report
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (G): GTD – Abdomen (injury management)
- Isaiah Hartenstein (C): GTD – Calf
- Branden Carlson (C): GTD – Low back
- Ajay Mitchell (G): GTD – Ankle
- Jalen Williams (G/F): Out – Hamstring (return targeted March 7)
New York Knicks
- Miles McBride (G): Out – Pelvis (return targeted early April)
Key note: OKC’s depth has been tested recently (wins without SGA/Jalen Williams in recent games via strong contributions from Chet Holmgren, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, and Cason Wallace). Knicks missing their primary backup point guard hurts bench scoring and defense.
Recent Form (Last 5 Games)
Thunder: 4-1 (3 straight wins)
- 3/3 @ CHI: W 116-108
- 3/1 @ DAL: W 100-87
- 2/27 vs DEN: W 127-121 (OT)
- 2/25 @ DET: L 124-116
- 2/24 @ TOR: W 116-107
Knicks: 4-1 (3 straight wins)
- 3/3 @ TOR: W 111-95
- 3/1 vs SA: W 114-89
- 2/27 @ MIL: W 127-98
- 2/24 @ CLE: L 109-94
- 2/22 @ CHI: W 105-99
Both teams are rolling, but OKC’s wins have come against quality competition while showcasing defensive dominance. Knicks are 7-3 in their last 10 and have won 14 of their last 18 overall.
Key Player Matchups
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (if active) vs. Jalen Brunson: The marquee guard battle. SGA (31.8 PPG, 6.4 APG, elite efficiency) against Brunson (26.7 PPG, 6.1 APG). Whoever controls tempo and draws fouls wins the half-court battle.
- Chet Holmgren vs. Karl-Anthony Towns / Mitchell Robinson: Holmgren’s length and rim protection vs. KAT’s scoring versatility and Robinson’s physicality. Huge edge for OKC if Hartenstein returns to pair with Chet.
- Mikal Bridges / OG Anunoby vs. OKC wings (Caruso, Wiggins, Joe with Williams out): Knicks need perimeter shooting and defense; OKC’s switch-everything defense (led by Lu Dort or Caruso) will test them.
- Bench edge: OKC’s depth (Wallace, Joe, Wiggins) has stepped up massively in recent absences. Knicks bench thinned without McBride.
Series History
- All-time regular season: Thunder lead 75-68.
- Last 10 meetings: OKC 8-2 (7-3 ATS).
- Last 3 meetings: OKC 3-0.
- OKC has won the last 4 meetings dating back to 2024-25 (including two road wins).
- Knicks are 0-7 SU in their last 7 home games vs. OKC and just 1-9 in the last 10 home games vs. Thunder.
Thunder have owned this matchup recently, winning by double digits in several recent encounters (e.g., 126-101 and 117-107 last season).
Betting Trends
- Thunder: 10-3 ATS in last 13 vs. Knicks; 10-2 ATS in last 12 March games; 7-0 SU in last 7 road games vs. Knicks; Over in 10 of last 15 overall and 10 of last 12 road games.
- Knicks: 5-1 SU in last 6; Under in 5 of last 6; 0-7 SU last 7 home vs. OKC; Under in 7 of last 8 vs. Western Conference teams.
- Head-to-head last 10: Over 7-2-1 but recent games trending lower-scoring when OKC dominates defensively.
Game Odds
Oklahoma City Thunder – 4.5
New York Knicks 221.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, March 3, 2026
