Thunder vs Knicks preview and gamethread: OKC looks to stay hot vs NY

Game: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New York Knicks

Time: 7PM CST

Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena, OKC

Broadcast: FSOK, MSG

Line: OKC -8.5

After missing the last four games with a sprained ankle, it appears Russell Westbrook will remain out of the Thunder lineup as they face-off tonight against the New York Knicks, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.

“Westbrook (ankle) won’t be available for Wednesday’s game against New York.” - Marc Berman

The 4-10 Knicks, however, will be coming into the game following a rough weekend that featured a 128-112 loss to the Raptors and a 115-89 beating that was handed to them by the Magic. The Thunder will be looking to continue their winning ways following Monday night’s 118-101 shellacking of the Suns.

The Thunder should be able to leave this contest with an easy victory, but we also said that prior to their loss to the Mavericks. They have won five consecutive home games while the Knicks have dropped four of their last five games and appear to have their eyes set more on Zion Williamson than the they do the playoffs.

Stats

Things to Watch

• New Jerseys - The Thunder will debut their new City Edition uniforms, honoring Oklahoma’s Native American heritage, tonight.

• Sibling Rivalry - Steven Adams has been a monster this year and has recorded 6 double-doubles, Enes Kanter, however, has recorded five consecutive double-doubles. It’s always a fun match-up to see the ‘Stache Brothers battle against each other.
• Shooting Percentages - While the Thunder are up to 9.2 3PM per game, they are doing it on a league-low 30.1%. This has been good enough to beat struggling teams but how will it affect the Thunder when an over .500 team comes around? Just something to keep an eye on as the schedule gets tougher next week.
• Young Guns - The Knicks have lots of young guys in Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson, Allonzo Trier, and Damyean Dotson that have all shown flashes and are players to keep an eye on.