New York vs Oklahoma: Both Teams' Defenses are Rock Like

The Knicks had another terrible game. Tom Thibodeau's team lost to Portland, missing the 25-point handicap. Will the New Yorkers recover in a home game against Oklahoma? Let's pick a few options to bet on.

After their road win over Golden State, it seemed as if the Knicks, emotionally charged, would begin to win somewhat reliably. Tom Thibodeau's team came out on top in their win against Portland. New York overcame its difficulties and led by more than 20 points midway through the third quarter. This season's Knicks are not a team that lets their fans get complacent for even a minute. Portland not only got back in the game but even won. A 103:112 certainly will not influence in a positive way on the team's already shattered confidence. In their last 14 games, the Knicks have only three wins. New York occupies bottom 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings. Their chances of making it to the playoffs in the regular season are questionable.

Currently, the Thunder is in the penultimate 14th spot in the Western Conference standings. The team has only 17 wins in 56 games and has no chance of continuing playoff contention. However, the club did not set such a goal before the championship. Oklahoma is in a rebuilding phase and working with an eye toward the future.

Given the lack of tournament goals, it's worth acknowledging that coach Mark Daigneault and his staff are doing a great job, especially in organizing the defensive. Oklahoma is 11th in defensive efficiency rating. A very high position for an underdog.

Both teams are at the bottom of the NBA offensive rankings this season. The Knicks are 4th from the bottom, and Oklahoma, missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander because of injury, has slipped to last place in the league in terms of offense. I doubt that this game will be very productive. In addition, the Knicks will likely approach the game highly focused. 

Prediction is a total under and a win for New York. Oklahoma State has little to offer offensively, and the points they score often aren't even enough to put up a fight in the end.