The New York Knicks look to redeem themselves after a demoralizing pair of losses against the Los Angeles Clippers and the Charlotte Hornets, as they take on one of the best offenses in the Western Conference. The Oklahoma City Thunder face a similar situation after suffering a 116-106 loss to the underachieving Brooklyn Nets, putting a humiliating end to their seven-game losing streak. Both teams continue to face adversity as they look to bounce back with a win Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.

Injury's Effecting Knicks Play

The New York Knicks have been without Lance Thomas, who suffered a bruised knee, for three consecutive games and it has not gone unnoticed on both ends of the floor, particularly defense on the perimeter. Carmelo Anthony also continues to struggle with that sore right knee, which kept him on the bench for the entire fourth quarter of the Knicks 97-84 loss to the Hornets.

However, coach Derek Fisher made no excuses for his team’s lack of effort and grit, previously seen in two thrilling overtime victories against the Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz.

“We looked completely worn down and worn out. We could not continue to bring enough energy to the game to have a chance,” Fisher said.

Seven-Game Skid Ended

Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan shared similar sentiments following the Thunder’s loss to the Nets. Though Kevin Durant and company may have been sidetracked by the second largest snowstorm to hit New York City, Brook Lopez was a force that could not be contained. Lopez scored a season-high 31 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Nets to their 12th win of the season.

After the game Donovan said, “They dealt with the same circumstances we had,” referring to the game’s three-hour delay. “So, both teams dealt with the weather, but to say that impacted us would be making an excuse.”

Durant finished with 31 points and 10 rebounds while Russell Westbrook added 27 points and 11 rebounds, but the absence of big man Steven Adams, who suffered a sprained right elbow, was apparent in their struggles. The Thunder will also have to fare without guard Andre Roberson, who suffered a sprained right knee and is expected to miss three weeks.

Knicks Embark on Tough Stretch

The Knicks have struggled to stay at .500, let alone rise above the highly-sought after mark, and their upcoming schedule is the least bit encouraging. In the next week they face some of the league’s more elite teams, including the Thunder, Toronto Raptors, and perhaps the most dreaded matchup against the Golden State Warriors. But the Knicks can only take the process one game at a time.

Last Meeting

In their first matchup against the Thunder, the Knicks came away with a 93-90 victory after almost completely relinquishing a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter, but this win came without the play of Kevin Durant. Without any updates regarding Thomas’ condition and a struggling Anthony, the Knicks will have to do more than just hang on. The Knicks take on the Thunder at 7:30 PM on MSG.

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