THE OKC Thunder The game against Portland Trail Blazers is one of eight NBA games scheduled for Wednesday. This will be the fourth meeting between the two teams this season, with OKC winning all previous matches. The Thunder won the last game 111-109 on January 23.
On that note, let’s take a look at the OKC Thunder vs Portland Trail Blazers preview, including predictions, starting lineups and betting tips for March 6.
The Thunder hold a 134-120 all-time advantage against the Trail Blazers. OKC won the last game behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s 33 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and five steals. Jerami Grant led Portland with 18 points, five rebounds, an assist, a block and a steal.
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OKC Thunder vs Portland Trail Blazers preview, predictions, starting lineups, odds and betting tips
OKC Thunder vs. Portland Trail Blazers The game is scheduled for Wednesday, March 6 at the Moda Center. The match begins at 10 p.m. EST and will be televised on ROOT SPORTS/ROOT SPORTS Plus and Bally Sports OK. Fans can stream the game live on fuboTV and NBA League Pass.
Money line: Thunder (-800) vs. Trail Blazers (+550)
Spread: Thunder (-13) vs. Trail Blazers (+13)
Total (P/U): Thunder -110 (o224) vs. Trail Blazers -110 (u224)
Editor’s note: Odds may change as the game approaches. The odds listed were consistent with information available at the time of writing.
OKC Thunder vs. Portland Trail Blazers Preview
The Thunder (42-19) are one of the most exciting teams in the league and appear primed for big moments. OKC is second in the West by just 0.5 games. The Thunder lost 116-104 to the Lakers in their last game on Monday. SGA had 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the loss.
The Trail Blazers (17-43) have the second-worst record in the West and are in all likelihood out of the playoffs. They have lost eight of the last 10 games, including a 119-114 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. Portland put up a valiant effort behind Anfernée Simons“34 points and 14 assists, however, Minnesota proved to be just too much.
OKC Thunder vs. Portland Trail Blazers Starting Lineups
The Thunder will be without Jaylin Williams (knee) on Wednesday. With the rest of the team in good shape, OKC coach Mark Daigneault is expected to start:
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander GS: Josh Giddey FS: Luguentz Dort PF: Jalen Williams VS : Chet Holmgren
Portland has been plagued by a long list of injuries. Robert Williams III (torn ligament in left knee) and Shaedon Sharpe (abdomen) are out long-term. Scoot Henderson (thigh) and Malcolm Brogdon (elbow) are also likely to be out on Wednesday.
Matisse Thybulle (hip, questionable), Jerami Grant (quadriceps, questionable), Toumani Camara (illness, questionable) and Deandre Ayton (hand, doubtful) will be game-time decisions. Portland coach Chauncey Billups could start:
PG: Kris Murray GS: Anfernée Simons FS: Dalano Banton PF: Jabari Walker VS : Duop Reath
Editor’s note: These are projected starting lineups, which could change depending on the availability of players uncertain to play.
OKC Thunder vs Portland Trail Blazers predictions
SGA has a plus/minus of 31.5 points for the game. If there’s anything he’s proven this season, it’s the fact that he doesn’t stay quiet for long. With a disappointing game by his standards on Monday, Gilgeous-Alexander must be raring to go on Wednesday and should be up for 31.5 points.
Chet Holmgren has a plus/minus of 2.5 blocks for the game. He averages 2.6 blocks per game for the season. With a fairly inexperienced Portland team likely to take the floor, they could commit the cardinal sin of going up against the imposing Holmgren, only to be swatted like flies. The rookie should have over 2.5 blocks on Wednesday.
OKC Thunder vs. Portland Trail Blazers Prediction
The Thunder are heavily favored on the road and Portland’s injuries and position in the points table aren’t helping their cause. OKC should have it pretty easy to win and cover the spread. Even though the last matchup between the two ended in a low score, expect the Thunder’s offense to explode and the team’s total to surpass 224 points.
