NEW YORK — A pair of NBA title contenders will face off for the first time this season in what might very well become an NBA Finals preview, and it’s happening in one of the iconic arenas in sports.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are traveling to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks on Wednesday, March 4, with both squads competing on the second legs of respective back-to-backs.
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The Thunder currently have the best record in the NBA at 48-15 and just toppled the Bulls in Chicago on Tuesday, March 3, while the Knicks took care of Toronto on Tuesday night.
Since both teams played Tuesday, the injury report hasn’t been issued, but one thing to watch will be the status of last season’s MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who missed the win against the Bulls for management of an abdominal strain.
Scroll below to follow the latest live updates and analysis from Wednesday night’s Oklahoma City Thunder-New York Knicks game:
Chet Holmgren comes out aggressive
As Oklahoma City has moved the ball around, it has often found forward Chet Holmgren, who has started the game 5-of-7 (including 4-of-6 from 3) for a game-high 14 points.
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In fact, with 3:32 left to play in the period, he has outscored the Knicks entire team, which is 5-of-17.
Thunder vs. Knicks is underway
The Thunder came out strong and dictated pace, draining five of their first six field goal attempts. OKC pushed pace and moved the ball around to compromise New York’s defense, which was slow to help.
The Knicks, however, made their first shot before having their following five clank out. New York is getting quality looks, they’re just not dropping, particularly from 3; the Knicks have started the game just 1-of-6 (16.7%) from beyond the arc.
Despite that, New York is only down 17-10 midway through the period.
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The MVP shows up to MSG dressed to the nines
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder, similar to many teams who get hyped up to play in this iconic venue, tend to play well here. It’s the one trip Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will make here this season — barring any potential matchup in the NBA Finals.
In case this is indeed his one trip here, SGA made it count with his pre-game look.
Thunder vs. Knicks starting lineups
Oklahoma City Thunder
New York Knicks
Thunder vs. Knicks injury report
After missing Tuesday night’s game against the Bulls, reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not on the injury report and is expected to play.
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Oklahoma City Thunder
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Branden Carlson, out (lower back strain)
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Ajay Mitchell, out (left ankle sprain)
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Nikola Topic, out (G League)
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Jalen Williams, out (right hamstring strain)
New York Knicks
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Pacome Dadiet, questionable (G League)
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Trey Jemison III, questionable (two-way)
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Dillon Jones, questionable (two-way)
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Miles McBride, out (core muscle surgery)
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Kevin McCullar Jr., questionable (two-way)
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Mitchell Robinson, out (left ankle)
Thunder vs. Knicks odds
Odds according to BetMGM as of Tuesday, March 3.
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Spread: Thunder by 4.5 (-110)
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Over/Under: 222.5 (O/U -114)
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Moneyline: Thunder -184, Knicks +150
How to watch Thunder vs. Knicks: TV channel, live stream
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Location: Madison Square Garden (New York)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Knicks vs Thunder updates: Score, highlights for clash of contenders
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