The New York Knicks (9-game winning streak) face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder (13-game winning streak), marking just the fourth instance of two teams entering with a 9-game or longer winning streak. The matchup, scheduled for 8 PM ET on NBA TV, is a highly anticipated clash between two of the league’s top performers.
Karl-Anthony Towns leads the Knicks to a 12-2 record last month, averaging 23.2 points and 14.6 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drives OKC’s success with 33.3 points per game in December, leading the NBA in scoring.
The Thunder lead the league in defensive rating (102.8) and steals (11.9 per game), while the Knicks boast impressive lineup depth, including four players who have scored over 40 points in a single game before January 1.
In the second matchup, the Atlanta Hawks visit the Los Angeles Lakers in a rematch of their December 6 thriller. Trae Young’s game-winning three secured a 134-132 overtime win over LeBron James and company. The two teams are looking to bounce back from their previous performances, with the Hawks seeking to continue their winning ways and the Lakers aiming to get revenge.
With elite stars like Towns and Gilgeous-Alexander set to face off, this matchup promises to be a thrilling showdown between the league’s hottest teams.
Source: https://www.nba.com/news/starting-5-jan-3-2025-nba-tv-doubleheader