Knicks at Thunder
THE STORY: Prognosticators have been forecasting for the past few years that the Oklahoma City Thunder were on the verge of becoming a legit NBA title contender. If the early portion of the schedule is any indication, the Thunder’s time has arrived. Oklahoma City just completed a stretch that saw the team win five games in a span of six nights, including becoming the first team to win on back-to-back-to-back nights. "It feels good to get five wins," star forward Kevin Durant said. "We've got to look forward to keep pushing, keep building on it and hopefully do a good job next game. It's very encouraging that we can get through something like this." The Thunder will look to keep their grip on the lead in the Western Conference when they host a New York Knicks squad on Saturday that will likely be missing All-Star Carmelo Anthony.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, MSG, FSOK
ABOUT THE KNICKS (6-5): Anthony told reporters that it would take a “miracle” for him to be able to suit up for this one. He suffered a sprained ankle in the third quarter of Thursday’s loss to Memphis, and although X-rays were negative, he's still feeling the effects. "I've been getting beat up for nine years, so I'm not worried about getting beat up,” he said. “I'm going to get through it. I'm hurt, but I'll be alright." Bill Walker, who had 14 points against the Grizzlies, will likely start if Anthony is unable to play.
ABOUT THE THUNDER (10-2): Durant has been his usual dominant self during the winning streak, notching three straight double-doubles. He had 29 points and 10 rebounds in Wednesday’s 95-85 win over New Orleans. Durant is averaging 30.5 ppg in his past four meetings with the Knicks. Point guard Russell Westbrook appears to be rounding into form after starting slow out of the gate. The third-year playmaker has scored 52 points in his last two games.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire scored a season-low six points on Thursday. However, he has averaged 26.0 points and 11.4 rebounds in five previous games against the Thunder.
2. The Thunder have beaten the Knicks in seven of the last nine tries, including all three at Chesapeake Energy Arena.