The OKC Thunder (42-19) are on their way to face the Portland Trail Blazers (17-43) on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET. OKC is coming off a 116-104 loss to the LA Lakers while Portland is coming off a 119-114 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Thunder 2nd in the West
OKC is currently 42-19 and in second place in the West. The Thunder are coming off a 116-104 road loss to the LA Lakers on Tuesday in a game where OKC struggled in the second and third quarters as they were outscored 64-47. In the loss, the Thunder were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who had 20 points, Chet Holmgren 15 points, Lu Dortz 15 and Josh Giddey 13.
The Thunder have been led by their offense as OKC is averaging 120.9 PPG while shooting 50% from the field and 39.5% from three while having an offensive rating of 120.2 which ranks third. The Thunder are allowing 113.3 PPG while having a defensive rating of 112.7 which ranks them fifth.
OKC considers Jaylin Williams questionable.
The Trail Blazers broke their winning streak
Portland is 17-43 and in 14th place in the West. The Trail Blazers have struggled offensively this season as Portland is averaging just 107.6 PPG, which ranks 28th, while shooting 44% from the field and 35% from three and an offensive rating of 109 which ranks class 29th. The Trail Blazers are allowing 115.7 PPG while having a defensive rating of 117.1.
The Trail Blazers suffered a 119-114 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a close game throughout as Portland outscored Minnesota by two points in the second half when it came down to the wire. The Trail Blazers were led by Anfernee Simons who had 34 points and 14 rebounds, Duop Reath had 26 points, Dalano Banton had 18 points, Kris Murray had 14 points and Rayan Rupert had 13.
Portland will be without Deandre Ayton, Malcolm Brogdon, Shaedon Sharpe, Robert Williams III and Scoot Henderson while Jerami Grant and Matisse Thybulle are questionable.
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Best Bets
Full Game Side Bet
Rating:
Portland is dealing with too many injuries, which is why I like the Thunder to win and cover the spread here. OKC is coming off a disappointing loss and should be able to have a lot of success against the Trail Blazers defense which has struggled a lot this season. OKC will be able to score at will, and with Portland’s injuries, their offense will take a hit as well.
Take OKC to cover.
Prediction: Thunder
Total choice of the complete game
Rating:
The over is also the way to go in this matchup as OKC will be able to score at will against Portland, while the Trail Blazers should be able to contribute with over 100 points. This season, the Thunder is 33-25-3 over, which is the best record in the NBA. OKC also plays at a pace of 101.7, which ranks 12th, while the Trail Blazers play at a pace of 99.6, which ranks 23rd, but the Thunder will make it a faster game.
Take over.
Prediction: More
