NBA Betting Breakdown Knicks @ Thunder

BetUS NBA Basketball Sports Betting Odds: NEW YORK -2.5, Total 217

Here are some of the NBA pro basketball sports betting trends as they relate to this matchup:

* NY has lost seven of its last seven games SU

* NY has covered two of its last seven games

* NY has played 11 of its last 16 games UNDER the total

* NY has lost three of its last four road games SU

* NY has covered seven of its last eight road games

* OKC has lost 14 of its last 16 games SU

* OKC has covered seven of its last eight games

* OKC has played six of its last nine games UNDER the total

* OKC has covered its last five home games

* OKC has played four of its last six home games UNDER the total

Also....

* NY has covered five of the last seven meetings

* Seven of the last eight meetings have gone OVER the total

* NY has made more three-pointers in four of the last five meetings

You can look at the Thunder of late and see that there is some virtue in playing hard, even if it doesn't mean you're winning games. The approach of P.J. Carlesino wasn't necessarily what the doctor ordered with this very young club, so he was let go, to be replaced by Scott Brooks, who has managed to get some inspired basketball out of this crew. As of tonight, OKC has covered seven of its last eight games, and the Thunder is giving some teams a scare, as they did with the Nuggets Friday night - at the Pepsi Center no less, falling just two points short.

Oklahoma City has also gained a shooting eye, hitting 52% from the field in its last four games. Against Denver they scorched the hoop at the rate of 58%. Obviously they're going to stand a better chance against some of the weakest defensive clubs. In that way the Knicks are coming along at the right time, as they surrender 48%, the worst figure in the NBA. You can't be too encouraged by the way the Knicks have shot either; it's been seven games since this team reached the 45% mark.

Brooks may not be able to resist using newly-acquired center Nenad Kristic, last seen with the New Jersey Nets, who signed as a free agent and got his work visa approved yesterday. Kristic, who averaged 16.4 points on 53% shooting two seasons ago, can go a long way toward making the Thunder more competitive. Kevin Durant, the second-year man, is doing his part, with 33 points against the Nuggets this past weekend.

While Kristic may be suiting up with his Oklahoma City teammates for the first time, Eddy Curry may be making his season debut for the Knicks. Curry is coming back from a knee injury, and coach Mike D'Antoni didn't think he was working hard enough to get in shape. Now the Knicks need some support up front, and he is a possible answer.

The Knicks are having delusions of grandeur about their defense after holding Boston to less than 42% from the floor in a surprise win on Sunday. We don't buy it. We're going to take 2.5 points in the BetUS NBA pro basketball sports betting odds with an Oklahoma City team that we trust to continue putting forth honest efforts.

JAY'S PLAY: OKLAHOMA CITY +2.5 ***

(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)

(Charles Jay makes his share of shots from the top of the key as a contributor to the BetUS Locker Room)