Game Day: Knicks @ Thunder, 3/13/21
The Knicks continue their road trip in an afternoon tip against the Thunder. Can they get back on track after the embarrassing loss to the Bucks the other night?
Today marks the official start of the second half for the Knicks. That’s right, I’m calling a mulligan for the other night. It doesn’t count now. Look it up, it’s in the NBA CBA.
The Knicks head to Oklahoma City today with redemption on their minds. The only problem is, these “rebuilding” Thunder are on a bit of a hot streak — winners of their last two games dating back to before the All-Star break, over the Spurs and the Mavs. As a matter of fact, the Thunder beat the Spurs just a couple days after the Spurs shellacked the Knicks, so by transitive property, this doesn’t look great for New York.
Y’know what else doesn’t look too hot? The injury report!
Frank Ntilikina, my boy, get ready — today might be your time to shine. I hope Jared Harper’s well-rested and feeling comfortable back in the big league’s though, because if Frank has to play 48 minutes, I think his groin might explode right on the court (and not in the wink-wink, nudge-nudge, oh-la-la kinda way).
Still, I’m gonna just assume that the questionable guys can give it a go, and Elfrid Payton and Immanuel Quickley will be able to suit up.
Julius Randle went through hell the other day getting guarded by Giannis and Brook Lopez. Well, it’s gonna feel like he was playing with a medicine ball the other day compared to today. Aleksej Pokusevski played pretty well in the win over the Mavs the other night, but playing against fellow stick figure Kristaps Porzingis is a little different than playing against Julius. Poku weighs like 12 lbs soaking wet. Look for Julius to feast.
Meanwhile, the Knicks need to keep Shai Gilgeous-Alexander away from the dinner table. He’s has 30-plus points in his last two games, and is averaging 25.5 over his last 10. Hopefully Reggie Bullock checks him with the starters, and perhaps he can have some 1-on-1 time with Frank down the stretch as well. If Elfrid gets put on him to start the game… woof.
Nevermind, Shai’s out today! What a stroke of luck for the Knicks. Looks like it’s time to feast.
Last time the Knicks played the Thunder it was a trap game with the Knicks on a three-game winning streak, and they lost. This time around, it’s a… “kick the Knicks in the nuts while they’re down” game? I dunno, but I think given that New York’s coming in with zero momentum and we expect them to lose, they’ll win. Maybe wishful thinking, but whatever.
Game is at 2 PM on MSG and NBATV. Get that second cup of coffee now!
