The New York Knicks (40*-22) host the Oklahoma City Thunder (48–15) tonight at Madison Square Garden, both on the second night of back-to-backs. Yesterday in Toronto, the Knicks fought the Raptors to the end for victory, while the Thunder beat the Bulls in Chicago. Both teams have won three in a row.
They last met on January 10, 2025, when Oklahoma City rolled to a 126–101 victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 39 points and controlled the game from start to finish. Josh Hart grabbed
13 rebounds in the loss.
The Thunder hold the league’s best record and have been a juggernaut all season. They rank near the top of the NBA in both offensive and defensive efficiency, scoring roughly 119 points per game while allowing about 108, giving them the league’s best net rating. The engine behind that success is MVP candidate Gilgeous-Alexander, averaging around 31.8 points and 6.4 assists per game. Chet Holmgren provides interior defense and versatility, contributing about 17 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks per night. Jalen Williams (17.5 PPG) has been another dynamic scoring option despite poor long-range shooting, while Luguentz Dort supplies the defense and trips.
OKC is expected to start SGA at guard alongside Cason Wallace (9 PTS), Dort, Holmgren, and Isaiah Joe (11 PPG, 42% 3P%) if Isaiah Hartenstein (10.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG) sits with a calf issue.
On the injury front, Miles McBride remain out for the home team. The Thunder enter somewhat banged up: SGA, iHart, and Ajay Mitchell are listed day-to-day, while Jalen Williams is sidelined with a hamstring issue.
Prediction
ESPN’s matchup predictor gives the Knicks a 52% edge at home. We’ll take it. SGA, Hartenstein, and Jalen Williams all rested last night in Chicago, and I can’t think of a compelling reason why coach Mark Daigneault would rush anyone back for this interconference matchup. On our side, the Knicks have been locked in defensively and possessed by the spirit of cooperation of late, with all five starters scoring in double figures over the last three games. Factor in solid bench contributions from Landry Shamet, Mohamed Diawara, and Jose Alvarado, and the ‘Bockers look ready to challenge the mighty Thunder. Expect a little early fatigue, but watch our heroes catch fire mid-second quarter, grab the lead after halftime, and hold off a late push for a four-point win.
Game Details
Who: New York Knicks (40*-22) at Oklahoma City Thunder (48-15)
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Time: 7 PM ET
Place: Madison Square Garden, NYC
TV: ESPN and MSG
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
* Should be one more, but NBA Cup wins evaporate in water.
