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Two former Western Conference rivals will clash in Friday’s OKC Thunder vs Portland Trail Blazers matchup. Since their last playoff encounter, where Damian Lillard knocked out the Thunder, then led by Russell Westbrook and Paul George, with a logo 3-pointer in the 2019 playoffs, both teams have undergone significant changes.
Now, both franchises are in different phases of their rebuilds — the Thunder are now vying for a championship, while the Blazers are navigating their second season post-Lillard. The Thunder have started the season strong, winning their first four games, while the Blazers, despite their youth, have shown potential, including upsetting other Western Conference teams.
Below are more details regarding the upcoming game, which is set to tip off at 10 p.m. ET at the Moda Center in Portland.
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OKC Thunder vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction, Preview and Odds
Moneyline: Thunder (-637) vs Trail Blazers (+455)
Spread: Thunder -11.5 (-110) vs Trail Blazers +11.5 (-110)
Total (O/U): Thunder o220 (-110) vs Trail Blazers u220 (-114)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
OKC Thunder vs Portland Trail Blazers preview
Given the Thunder’s dominant start to the season, including a league-best 91.3 defensive rating, it’s easy to favor them and overlook the Trail Blazers.
Last season, the Thunder were the No. 1 seed in the West but have not fully ironed out their offense, ranking fourth-worst in 3-point shooting at 30.6%. However, their defense has been exceptional, averaging 13.8 steals and 9.0 blocks per game, both of which are the highest in the league.
Last season’s MVP runner-up, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is exploring his shooting range from beyond the arc, while Chet Holmgren is thriving in his second year.
Despite Jalen Williams still finding his rhythm and the absence of their major free-agent signing Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder have maintained an impressive unbeaten start.
While the Trail Blazers are not expected to win, they have the capability to cause an upset. They have already surprised the New Orleans Pelicans and the LA Clippers, both teams with playoff aspirations.
In their latest game against the Clippers, the Blazers secured a narrow 106-105 victory, with Anfernee Simons leading the charge with 25 points, complemented by strong performances from Deandre Ayton (15 points and 12 rebounds), Scoot Henderson (14 points), Deni Avdija (13 points, 10 rebounds) and Toumani Camara (12 points).
OKC Thunder vs Portland Trail Blazers predicted starting lineups
The Thunder will field a weakened frontcourt, missing Jaylin Williams, Kenrich Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein. The Blazers will also be without Robert Williams III, Matisse Thybulle and Shaedon Sharpe.
Thunder
G – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | G – Isaiah Joe | F – Luguentz Dort | F – Jalen Williams | C – Chet Holmgren
Blazers
G – Anfernee Simons | G – Deni Avdija | F – Toumani Camara | F – Jerami Grant | C – Deandre Ayton
Editor’s note: These are the predicted lineups and could change based on the availability of players.
OKC Thunder vs Portland Trail Blazers betting props
Lu Dort’s projected total for points and assists is 10.5, and he is expected to surpass that easily. His projected points and rebounds total is set at 12.5, which he is also likely to exceed.
For the Blazers, Deandre Ayton has a projected total of 11.5 rebounds; however, he may fall short of that, even with the Thunder’s limited frontcourt depth, as they typically swarm opposing big men.
OKC Thunder vs Portland Trail Blazers prediction
Although the Trail Blazers are a scrappy young team, the Thunder’s strong defense should contain them effectively. Expect the Thunder to secure their fifth consecutive victory comfortably.
Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro