These teams went crazy when they met eight days ago. The Thunder won, 145-135. The Knicks hadn't allowed that many points in regulation since 2006.

So you have to believe the Knicks will be much more intense defensively. They also likely will be slowing the ball down carrying a heavy fatigue factor playing their fifth road in seven days. This has taken a toll on the Knicks' scoring. New York's point production has gone down each of the last three games from 106 to 101 to 95 points.

New York has allowed an average of 110.2 points in its last four games following that loss to Oklahoma City. The Knicks rank fifth in the NBA in defensive field goal percentage.

The Thunder enter this matchup having not played at home in 10 days and with their rotation shaken by injuries.