The New York Knicks (48-26) and Oklahoma City Thunder (58-16) will meet in this week's edition of NBA Sunday Night Basketball. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The game will broadcast live on NBC and Peacock.
The Thunder are 8.5-point favorites over the Knicks on the spread (Thunder -8.5), with the over/under set at 223.5 total points. Oklahoma City is a -360 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while New York is +285 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Knicks vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, March 29.
Knicks vs Thunder Prediction, Pick
- Knicks vs Thunder pick: Jalen Brunson Over 7.5 Assists (-110)
My Thunder vs. Knicks best bet is on Jalen Brunson to record over 7.5 assists in tonight's game. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Knicks vs Thunder Odds
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -112 | 223.5 -110o / -110u | +285 |
| Thunder Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8.5 -108 | 223.5 -110o / -110u | -360 |
Knicks vs Thunder Sunday Night Basketball Preview
The Knicks have played well in the second half of March, winning seven consecutive games before losing to the Charlotte Hornets in their latest contest.
Now, New York will look to avoid dropping to 0-2 against the reigning champs on Sunday.
The Knicks played the Thunder close earlier this month, but ultimately lost by three points at Madison Square Garden. Their outlook doesn't appear to have improved since their last meeting with the NBA's best team.
Jalen Brunson notched a double-double in his first matchup with OKC this season, but only scored 16 points on 5-for-18 shooting.
His field goal percentage (43.3%) and 3-point percentage (33.3%) have reached season lows in March. That won't cut it against an elite defensive team that's only getting healthier.
Jalen Williams is gearing up for his fourth game back from a lingering hamstring injury that sidelined him in the first half of February. He's shaking off some rust on a soft minutes restriction, but has scored 18 points twice in three games this month, and makes OKC better on both sides of the ball.
The Thunder are dangerous with their preferred starting five and have upgraded their bench with the return of former Sixth Man of the Year contender Ajay Mitchell. New York could be in for a tougher challenge on the road against a deeper rotation.
Landry Shamet (knee) has been ruled out for the Knicks, while Miles McBride (pelvis) is listed as questionable.
Knicks vs Thunder Predictions, Betting Analysis
Brunson's shooting is on the downstroke, but he's creating for his teammates at a high level. The former Villanova Wildcat is averaging a season-high 9.2 assists per game in March, going over this line (7.5) in seven out of his last 10 contests.
He's clearly making a concerted effort to get others involved, as he hasn't eclipsed 8.0 dimes per contest in any other month this season.
Brunson dished out a season-high 15 assists the last time OKC game-planned against him.
Bettors shouldn't be surprised if the league's second-best scoring defense funnels him toward being more of a passer in round two of this pairing.
Pick: Jalen Brunson Over 7.5 Assists (-110, DraftKings)
Spread
I'm not betting either side of the spread.
Moneyline
I'm not interested in the moneyline here.
Over/Under
My Knicks vs. Thunder betting prediction is Jalen Brunson over 7.5 assists.
