The highly anticipated game between the New York Knicks and the Oklahoma City Thunder is set to take place tonight, January 3, 2025, at the Paycom Center, Oklahoma City. With both teams on impressive winning streaks—New York has won nine consecutive games, and Oklahoma City is riding high with thirteen wins—the clash promises to be exhilarating for basketball fans. But for many Knicks supporters, accessing the game may not be as straightforward due to the recent blackout of MSG Networks on Optimum TV, leaving them searching for alternatives to tune in.
The broadcasting dispute was precipitated by fees concerning carriage agreements, which allow cable or satellite providers to air specific networks. The previous agreement expired on December 31, 2024, and has led to Optimum customers being unable to watch Knicks games, the Rangers, and other regional sports. "MSG Networks pursued an 'all or nothing' approach... demanding 'exorbitant programming fees'," described the broadcast network, which now operates under Sphere Entertainment Co., of which Knicks owner James Dolan is also the head.
The Knicks (24-10) are aiming to continue their winning momentum against the Thunder (28-5), who hold the top spot in the Western Conference. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast live on NBA TV. Currently, the Thunder are favored by 4.5 points against the Knicks, with the over/under set at 223.5 total points. Interestingly, OkC holds the 26th straight favorite position against the Knicks, with analysts observing the teams’ historical performances.
One storyline to watch during the game will be the duel between two elite players: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the Thunder and Karl-Anthony Towns for the Knicks. The teams have similarities; both feature strong guard play and solid defense, but the Thunder have been rated slightly higher defensively this season. A battle awaits as to how OKC will deal with the Knicks' proficiency from beyond the three-point arc. The Knicks thrive on their shooting from deep, reflected by their 38.8% success rate from three-point range this season.
For Knicks fans currently affected by the blackout, here are some options: subscribing to the Gotham Sports App or watching via streaming services like Fubo and DIRECTV Stream, which provide access to MSG channels. “Optimum claims MSG is trying to charge their customers more and give them less,” as both companies continue to play the blame game over who’s to be held responsible for the blackout situation.
On the injury front, both teams have notable players on the list. Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride for the Knicks are listed as questionable, which could significantly affect their offensive capability. Similarly, the Thunder are dealing with absent players like Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso. Isaiah Hartenstein, facing his former team, adds extra intrigue to the matchup, having become instrumental for the Thunder's defensive efforts.
Despite the challenges on the injury report, momentum is on the Knicks’ side, who are coming off a decisive win against the Jazz with Towns delivering yet another prolific performance, racking up 31 points and 21 rebounds. The Thunder, meanwhile, are fighting hard not to let their strong offensive outings fade, recently wrapping up an 18-point win over the Clippers.
With the sporting community anxiously watching tonight’s contest, experts suggest the Knicks might cover the spread, especially noting their impressive shooting capabilities from three-point territory. According to analysts, "Both teams are no slouch on the opposite end of the floor," hinting at the potential for high scoring from both sides.
All the attention tonight will be focused on the outcome of this electrifying matchup and how both teams perform amid the circumstances surrounding broadcasting availability. Fans will likely be on their toes, eager to see if the Knicks can seize victory and extend their winning streak to ten or if the Thunder will manage to hold their ground as they defend their home court.
Regardless of the outcome, this game stands to be not just another win or loss but also symbolic of the larger clash between viewership and accessibility, with the MSG and Optimum feud casting shadows over fans' experiences.