Knicks vs Thunder Preview: Slugging for Playoff Punch

The New York Knicks travel to Oklahoma City to face the defending champion Thunder on Sunday, March 29. This matchup pits the East's third seed against the West's best team, making it one of the most compelling games of the week. The Knicks have rediscovered their rhythm in March, while Oklahoma City continues proving why they're the standard for the rest of the league.

Jalen Brunson is New York's engine, averaging about 29 points and nearly 7 assists per game while shooting above 47 percent from the field. Although Brunson had a cold three-point night recently, he still guided the Knicks past Washington with 21 points. Karl-Anthony Towns adds around 22 points and nearly 12 rebounds per game, providing dominant interior presence and elite floor spacing.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Oklahoma City, averaging about 33 points and nearly 7 assists per game while shooting an incredible 56 percent from the field. He recently dropped 20 points with 9 assists against Orlando in a 128-92 blowout. Chet Holmgren adds about 18 points and nearly 8 rebounds, while also blocking shots at a Defensive Player of the Year level. This team has remarkable depth.

Miles McBride is questionable for Sunday after core muscle surgery, while Landry Shamet remains out. For Oklahoma City, Thomas Sorber is lost for the season with a knee injury. The most fascinating matchup features Brunson attacking OKC's suffocating defense, while Gilgeous-Alexander tests New York's perimeter. If the Knicks can control pace and limit turnovers, they have a genuine chance to upset the champs at home.