Two former Western Convention rivals will conflict in Friday’s OKC Thunder vs Portland Path Blazers matchup. Since their final playoff encounter, the place Damian Lillard knocked out the Thunder, then led by Russell Westbrook and Paul George, with a emblem 3-pointer within the 2019 playoffs, each groups have undergone important modifications.
Now, each franchises are in numerous phases of their rebuilds — the Thunder are actually vying for a championship, whereas the Blazers are navigating their second season post-Lillard. The Thunder have began the season robust, profitable their first 4 video games, whereas the Blazers, regardless of their youth, have proven potential, together with upsetting different Western Convention groups.
Under are extra particulars concerning the upcoming sport, which is about to tip off at 10 p.m. ET on the Moda Middle in Portland.
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OKC Thunder vs Portland Path Blazers Prediction, Preview and Odds
Moneyline: Thunder (-637) vs Path Blazers (+455)
Unfold: Thunder -11.5 (-110) vs Path Blazers +11.5 (-110)
Complete (O/U): Thunder o220 (-110) vs Path Blazers u220 (-114)
Editor’s observe: The chances may change near the sport. The chances listed have been as per out there data on the time of writing.
OKC Thunder vs Portland Path Blazers preview
Given the Thunder’s dominant begin to the season, together with a league-best 91.3 defensive ranking, it is easy to favor them and overlook the Path Blazers.
Final season, the Thunder have been the No. 1 seed within the West however haven’t totally ironed out their offense, rating fourth-worst in 3-point capturing at 30.6%. Nonetheless, their protection has been distinctive, averaging 13.8 steals and 9.0 blocks per sport, each of that are the best within the league.
Final season’s MVP runner-up, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is exploring his capturing vary from past the arc, whereas Chet Holmgren is flourishing in his second 12 months.
Regardless of Jalen Williams nonetheless discovering his rhythm and the absence of their main free-agent signing Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder have maintained a powerful unbeaten begin.
Whereas the Path Blazers should not anticipated to win, they’ve the potential to trigger an upset. They’ve already stunned the New Orleans Pelicans and the LA Clippers, each groups with playoff aspirations.
Of their newest sport towards the Clippers, the Blazers secured a slim 106-105 victory, with Anfernee Simons main the cost with 25 factors, complemented by robust performances from Deandre Ayton (15 factors and 12 rebounds), Scoot Henderson (14 factors), Deni Avdija (13 factors, 10 rebounds) and Toumani Camara (12 factors).
OKC Thunder vs Portland Path Blazers predicted beginning lineups
The Thunder will discipline a weakened frontcourt, lacking Jaylin Williams, Kenrich Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein. The Blazers will even be with out 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 observe: These are the expected lineups and will change based mostly on the supply of gamers.
OKC Thunder vs Portland Path Blazers betting props
Lu Dort’s projected complete for factors and assists is 10.5, and he’s anticipated to surpass that simply. His projected factors and rebounds complete is about at 12.5, which he’s additionally more likely to exceed.
For the Blazers, Deandre Ayton has a projected complete of 11.5 rebounds; nonetheless, he might fall wanting that, even with the Thunder’s restricted frontcourt depth, as they usually swarm opposing large males.
OKC Thunder vs Portland Path Blazers prediction
Though the Path Blazers are a scrappy younger workforce, the Thunder’s robust protection ought to comprise them successfully. Anticipate the Thunder to safe their fifth consecutive victory comfortably.
Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro
