The New York Knicks are gearing up for one of their toughest tests of the season as they prepare to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 3, 2025. With star point guard Jalen Brunson listed as questionable due to right calf tightness, the Knicks' chances of extending their nine-game winning streak could be hanging by a thread as they face the Western Conference’s top seed.
Brunson, who missed the Knicks' last game—a convincing 119-103 victory over the Utah Jazz—has played an instrumental role for the team this season. He leads the squad with averages of 25.2 points and 7.7 assists per game, both of which rank him among the top players league-wide. His effective field goal percentage this season is also impressive, sitting at 48.3%, with 40.3% of those shots coming from beyond the arc.
Although Brunson’s availability rests heavily on his warm-ups prior to the game, his absence would be felt deeply against the Thunder, who currently boast a remarkable 28-5 record. New York’s previous performance against the Jazz showcased their offensive depth, but facing Oklahoma City presents a different challenge altogether, considering the Thunder's strong position and recent form.
Should Brunson be unable to suit up, veteran guard Cameron Payne is expected to step up as the starting point guard. Payne has previously shown flashes of brilliance, recording eight points, nine assists, and three steals during his last game. With Brunson out, Payne’s responsibilities will significantly increase, propelling him to drive offense and support teammates as they navigate the full-court press posed by the Thunder.
Along with Brunson, Knicks guard Miles McBride is also dealing with injury concerns—his left hamstring tightness has raised doubts about his participation on Friday night. McBride, who has been averaging nearly 10 points and three assists per game this season, has been instrumental as the sixth man. Consequently, the Knicks might need to rely on rookie Tyler Kolek, who has performed well as he’s adjusted to increased responsibilities off the bench.
Head Coach Tom Thibodeau will need to carefully evaluate his strategy as he prepares for the possibility of missing key players. Even though the Knicks have navigated the season without Brunson and posted an astonishing 10-1 record when he is not scoring 20 points or is sidelined, the team needs their leader against a high-caliber opponent like the Thunder.
What compounds the Knicks’ situation is the Thunder's twenty-one home games where they’ve shown resilience and orchestration, holding claim to 14 consecutive wins. Despite their recent powerhouse performance, the Knicks are not far behind with their own impressive nine-game win streak. The clash of these two potent teams promises to be electrifying and could shift the dynamics of the playoff race.
Given the caliber of this matchup, the Knicks understand the need for their best players to be on the court. Brunson’s injury has raised eyebrows and concerns as the regular season continues, but if he is able to overcome this latest hurdle, there’s no telling how far his presence on the court could take New York's aspirations.
On the brighter side, reports suggest Brunson may have completed pregame workouts and is expected to play against Oklahoma City, though minutes may be monitored closely to prevent any aggravation of the injury. The Knicks, currently positioned third in the Eastern Conference, are counting on Brunson to lead the charge as they move forward. This game against the Thunder will provide not only excitement but also significant insights, shaping how the rest of the season may play out for both teams.