Thunder Gameday: Looking to Avoid Three-Game Skid in Portland
In this story:
The Oklahoma City Thunder have lost two-straight games, but will look to get things back on track tonight. They’ll be on the road in Portland to take on a struggling Trail Blazers team.
This will be the fourth and final game of a road trip for the Thunder before headed back home. Luckily for them, the next few games will be against non-playoff teams.
Can Oklahoma City get a much needed win?
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
ODDS:
The Thunder enter the day as 8-point favorites against the Blazers, and the total over/under is 227.5 points.
KEYS TO THE GAME:
It was reported on Saturday that Portland is leaning toward shutting down Damian Lillard for the remainder of the season as he deals with a calf injury. If this is the case, it could be more than just Lillard that misses games the rest of the way to gear the Blazers towards better draft lottery positioning.
Nonetheless, Lillard missing tonight’s game alone would be a huge advantage for the Thunder. As such, OKC is the favorite despite being on the road.
The Thunder play their best basketball when the bench is contributing. During the past two games, the production from the reserves was inconsistent. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams nearly always make an impact, but tonight it will once again come down to the rest of the roster.
RECORDS:
Oklahoma City Thunder (36-38) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (32-41)
WHEN:
Sunday, March 26 2023 at 6:00 PM CT
LOCATION:
Moda Center - Portland, OR
TV/RADIO:
Bally Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal
FINAL WORD:
Following this contest, the Thunder will finally hear back home for a game against the Charlotte Hornets. Meanwhile, the Blazers stay home to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday.
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