Even the hottest teams have to cool down some time. The Oklahoma City Thunder had a seven-game win streak in tow heading into Thursday’s night showdown against Phoenix, but failed to come out with a win. They’ll need to regroup quickly when they jump ship to Portland for a crucial Western Conference clash.
Can Oklahoma City regain its Thunder? Read on as we give a complete preview of this explosive affair.
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[sc:NBAArticles ]Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Where: Moda Center, Portland
When: Friday, February 27, 10:30 PM ET
Line: Oklahoma City Thunder at Portland Trail Blazers – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Oklahoma City Thunder
Someone must have splashed ice water all over the red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder before tip-off at Phoenix. They were off to a slow start, missing several attempts over the first minutes of the game. Russell Westbrook struggled the most as he missed his first eight shots before finishing the game going 12-for-38 from the field in a 117-113 overtime loss.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Westbrook more than made up for his uninspiring shooting by finishing with his fourth triple-double of the season (39 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists). He leads the league in triple-double performances but may struggle for another big game at Portland.
The Trail Blazers have not allowed more than eight assists in three games since the All-Star break. Westbrook may also have another bad day on the floor against Portland’s top four shooting defense (43.2 percent).
Oklahoma City’s big men, Serge Ibaka and Enes Kanter, may be able to have big games though. Ibaka has averaged in double-double figures with 18.6 points and 12.2 rebounds over the past five games. Kanter has averaged 15.8 points in four games as a member of the Thunder.
Ibaka and Kanter face a favorable matchup against Portland. The Blazers rank in the bottom third of the league allowing 52.6 rebounds per game. Portland has also allowed 42.7 points in paint per game, 19th in the league.
The Thunder could also take advantage of Portland’s recent struggles defending against the three. The Blazers have allowed opponents to convert 38.2 percent of three-points over their last three games. Dion Waiters should lead the Thunder in this regard as he has made 8-of-15 three-pointers over his last three games.
The Thunder are 3-1 ATS in their last four games on the road.
Betting on the Portland Trail Blazers
Wesley Matthews swished 4-of-4 from downtown in the fourth quarter as the Portland Trail Blazers blew out the San Antonio Spurs 111-95 on Wednesday night. Matthews finished with a season-high 31 points as he led five other Blazers to score in double-digits.
Having several scoring options on the floor should help the Blazers exploit an Oklahoma City defense which has allowed an average of 101.5 points over the past four games.
LaMarcus Aldridge and backup center Chris Kaman could target the Thunder’s leaky interior defense which has allowed an average of 48.7 points in the paint over their last three. Aldridge, in particular, has averaged 26 points and six rebounds in two games against the Thunder this season.
Matthews and running mate Damian Lillard could run the fast break against Oklahoma City. The Thunder have allowed an average of 23.3 points in transition over their last three, dead last in the league.The backcourt duo of Lillard and Matthews has been a thorn on the Thunder’s side this season. The two have combined to average 47 points in the season series against Oklahoma City.
Outpacing the Thunder may be key in this matchup. Oklahoma City starters Westbrook, Ibaka and Kanter all logged in 37 or more minutes in their overtime loss at Phoenix. If the Blazers can force a high-paced game from the get-go, then they may be able to take over late as the Thunder tire out.
Portland has won five of its last six games at home, going 4-2 against the spread.
Writer’s Prediction
The Blazers win and cover the spread. Excited for this blockbuster matchup? Create a betting account now and take part in some of the most exciting games in the NBA.
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