Thunder to silence red-hot Knicks

 

Sky Sports has another outstanding doubleheader of live NBA action on Sunday. Nick Shiambouros previews both games, which have playoff implications, along with his best picks...

 

New York Knicks @ Oklahoma City Thunder

Live on Sky Sports 4 Sunday 18:00

 

The Thunder are 56-20 and currently hold the second seed in the West. They are just half a game behind San Antonio, with six games left to play in the regular season.

 

Oklahoma City have won six of seven and come into this contest in superb form. Forward Kevin Durant is averaging 28.4 points per game and is having yet another outstanding season. Point-guard Russell Westbrook has scored at least 20 points in his last three games and will be tough to contain when driving to the hoop.

 

The Knicks are the hottest team in the NBA at the moment and come into this game riding an 11-game winning streak. Forward Carmelo Anthony has become a scoring machine and recently tied a franchise record with his third straight 40-point game.

 

With power forward Amar'e Stoudemire out of action since early March, the Knicks have not missed a beat. Some critics feel that New York is a better team without him in the line-up, but I am not so sure. Stoudemire is expected to be fully fit for the post-season and will be a valuable asset to New York.

 

This is a fascinating encounter, featuring two teams that could conceivably meet in the NBA Finals.

 

I think Oklahoma City will be tough to beat on their home floor. They have only lost five games at the Chesapeake Energy Arena this season, which is a telling statistic. In addition, the Thunder should have a size advantage, with Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka in the line-up.

 

 

Los Angeles Lakers @ Los Angeles Clippers

Live on Sky Sports 4 Sunday 20:30

 

The Clippers are 50-26 and can lock up the Pacific Division with a victory. Point-guard Chris Paul is my idea of the most gifted player in the NBA. His court vision is exceptional, and his ball distribution is simply magical. Paul is the complete point-guard and can hurt the Lakers from both ends of the floor.

 

The Lakers are 40-36 and clinging to the eight seed in the West by the skin of their teeth. This has been a frustrating season for the Lakers, and if they do not make the post-season, the current line-up will almost certainly be dismantled.

 

Veteran guard Kobe Bryant appears to have lost a step, especially when playing defence. He is still a force to be reckoned with offensively, but his transition defence is almost non-existent.

 

The Clippers have owned the Lakers this year, winning all three meetings with complete authority. I think another victory is in the cards in this encounter, and the team should be backed accordingly.

 

 

Dallas Mavericks @ Portland Trailblazers

Monday 02:00

 

The Trailblazers are 33-43 and have lost their last seven, leaving little chance of making the post-season. They appear to have given up the ghost.

 

The Mavs are 37-39 and are three games behind Los Angeles, who occupy the eight seed in the West. They have a pretty easy closing schedule and should prove far too strong for the disappointing Trailblazers.

 

Recommended Bets

2pts back Oklahoma City Thunder, with advertised handicap at around 1.9

2pts back Los Angeles Clippers, with advertised handicap at around 1.9

1pt back Dallas Mavericks in the match odds market at around 1.8

 

Bet HERE

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