The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Portland Trail Blazers at Paycom Center on November 20, 2024. The Thunder, at 11-4, are seeking to snap a two-game losing streak, while the Blazers, at 6-8, have won three straight at home and are looking to carry that momentum on the road.
Portland is starting a challenging five-game road trip against Western Conference teams with winning records. Oklahoma City remains strong at home, boasting a 7-2 record, and aims to continue their dominance after a 137-114 victory over Portland earlier this season.
Portland Trail Blazers Preview
Portland has shown improvement, riding a three-game winning streak, but they remain 2-4 on the road. Shaedon Sharpe has led the way, scoring 32 points in their most recent victory over Atlanta. The Blazers’ bench has been a key contributor, accounting for over 43% of their scoring during the streak.
Injuries could be a concern for Portland. Anfernee Simons is questionable after missing two games with an illness, and Deandre Ayton is doubtful with a finger sprain. Their absence would further strain a roster that has struggled with consistency on the road. Shaedon Sharpe will need to step up again for Portland to remain competitive.
Defensively, the Blazers must improve, as they’ve allowed opponents to score over 100 points in 11 of their 14 games. Their ability to handle Oklahoma City’s fast-paced offense will be critical in this matchup.
Portland will aim to translate their home success into a strong start to their road trip, but the challenge is significant against a motivated Thunder team.
Oklahoma City Thunder Preview
The Thunder are coming off a 110-104 loss to San Antonio, marking their second straight defeat. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the team’s standout performer, scoring 32 points in the loss. Jalen Williams has also stepped up, averaging 25.4 points in the five games since Chet Holmgren’s injury.
Oklahoma City has successfully adapted to a small-ball lineup due to injuries to key big men, including Holmgren. Their ability to maintain offensive efficiency, even without a traditional center, has been impressive. Luguentz Dort and Jalen Williams contribute on both ends of the floor, with Dort adding defensive intensity.
Defensively, Oklahoma City has been solid, holding opponents to 103.9 points per game, the second-best mark in the league. Their perimeter defense, led by Gilgeous-Alexander, will be crucial against Portland’s scoring threats. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the focal point for the Thunder as they seek to bounce back.
The Thunder’s home-court advantage and depth give them a strong position to rebound from their recent losses and reassert themselves as a Western Conference contender.
Oklahoma City vs Portland Prediction
This game features a struggling Portland team trying to find road success against an Oklahoma City squad looking to end their skid. The Thunder’s home dominance and defensive prowess give them the upper hand. Portland’s injuries and inconsistency on the road make it challenging to keep up with Oklahoma City’s pace.
The spread favors Oklahoma City at -12.5, and their ability to exploit mismatches and maintain efficiency on both ends should result in a comfortable win.
- Our Pick: Oklahoma City -12.5
