The Moda Center is the site for Game 1 of the Sportsbook-round matchup between Northwest Division rivals the Oklahoma City Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers. Both of these squads carry a winning streak into this series as Oklahoma City has rattled off five wins in a row, while Portland is looking to extend its three-game winning streak. The Thunder swept the four-game season series vs the Trail Blazers but are a 3.5-point underdog in this game with the total Sportsbook at 225 points.
Thunder vs Trail Blazers Game Center
Standout Stats
- Portland has been on an absolute tear since mid-March, sporting a record of 11-2 SU and 6-7 ATS with an average winning margin of 8.82. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City had a four-game losing slide in mid-March but has since gone 7-3 SU and 6-4 ATS with an average winning margin of 8.86. The Thunder swept the four-game season set vs the Trail Blazers with an average winning margin of seven.
- Both teams have been filling the basket frequently and that has led to the OVER being a smart play recently with the total going OVER in seven of Portland’s last 12 contests and in seven of Oklahoma City’s last 12. In their last dozen games, the Thunder have had an average combined score of 226.42, while the Trail Blazers’ average combined score was 230.75.
- Scoring hasn’t come with much difficulty for Portland through the final 10 contests of the regular season as it poured in 118.7 ppg, ranking sixth during that stretch. Additionally, the Trail Blazers have taken the fifth-most shot attempts per game over that span, but rank 20th with a 34.6 shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Defensively, they rank in the middle of the pack, surrendering 110.9 ppg, but they have done a terrific job defending the three-point line, ranking third by restricting opponents to a measly 32.3 shooting percentage from long range.
- Oklahoma City has been pushing the pace aggressively down the stretch, averaging 114.7 ppg to rank 13th in the NBA. The Thunder have taken the second-most shots per game over that span but haven’t been very efficient, shooting only 45.2 percent to rate 20th. Keeping points off the board has been a bit of an issue as the Thunder rank 16th in the Association by surrendering 111.0 ppg, but they have allowed the fourth-fewest shot attempts in their last 10 games. A big issue for OKC defensively has been stopping the three as it ranks 26th in allowing opponents to hit 38.3 percent from beyond the arc.
- I anticipate a fantastic battle around the rim in this contest as Portland scored the second-most points in the paint through its last 10 games, while Oklahoma City surrendered the second-fewest PITP over the same span. Additionally, the Trail Blazers averaged 12.5 giveaways per game, ranking 12th, but the Thunder created the most takeaways at 15.1.
My Best Bet for Oklahoma City vs Portland
Oklahoma City +3.5
The Thunder won all four meetings with the Trail Blazers with an average winning margin of seven and now they are getting points? I will take it. Additionally, Oklahoma City is carrying a five-game winning streak into this contest. The Thunder match up really well against the Trail Blazers and I expect them to start the series off on the right foot.
