The New York Knicks are preparing for a rematch against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who impressed in their previous encounter by matching the Knicks' physicality. Rylan Stiles, a reporter for Thunder On SI, highlighted the team's growth in this area, which is crucial as they continue to develop as a young squad. The Thunder's ability to dictate the pace of the game and create favorable matchups is a key aspect of their strategy that might not be reflected in traditional statistics.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a leading candidate for MVP, is anticipated to shine in this game, along with potential contributions from Jalen Williams and Aaron Wiggins. However, for the Thunder to secure a win, it is imperative that their supporting players step up offensively. Shooting below 35 percent from beyond the arc could be detrimental to their chances of victory.