Third quarter report
The Thunder have overcome an early deficit to take the lead in this one. They have jumped out to a 93-86 lead against the Trail Blazers.
If the Thunder keep playing like this, they will increase their record to 37-8 in no time. On the other hand, the Trail Blazers will have to win with a 17-29 record unless things change (and quickly).
Who is playing
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Portland Trail Blazers
Current records: Oklahoma City 36-8, Portland 17-28
How to watch
- When: Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 6 pm ET
- Where: Fashion Center in the Rose Quarter – Portland, Oregon
- TV: Fan Duel Sn – Oklahoma
- Continue: CBS Sports App
- Online streaming: fubotv (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Ticket cost: $7.00
What to know
The Thunder have enjoyed a three-game farm, but will soon have to dust off their road jerseys. They will face the Portland Trail Blazers at 6:00 pm ET on Sunday at the Moda Center in the Rose Quarter. One look at the odds and it’s safe to say the Thunder aren’t losing any sleep ahead of Sunday’s contest.
Last Thursday, the Thunder were within striking distance, but couldn’t close the gap as they fell 121-115 to the Mavericks.
The Thunder’s loss came despite quality play from Jalen Williams, who was 11 for 19 en route to 33 points plus seven assists and four steals. Additionally, Williams also posted a field goal percentage of 57.9%, which is the highest he’s posted since December 2024. Aaron Wiggins, on the other hand, was considerably less useful: he went 0-for-6 from long range.
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers had already won three in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 14 points) and they went ahead and made it four on Friday. They secured a 102-97 W over Charlotte. Portland went down 37-24 with 9:36 left in the second quarter, but they still came back for the handy five-point victory.
The Trail Blazers’ win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps best among them was Anfernee Simons, who scored 27 points to go along with five rebounds and two steals.
Even though they won, the Trail Blazers had trouble working together and finished the game with only 17 assists. They are 4-8 when they just don’t pass the ball.
Oklahoma City’s loss ended a nine-game winning streak at home and dropped them to 36-8. As for Portland, their win was their third in a row on the road, bringing their record to 17-28.
Sunday’s matchup is shaping up to be a sloppy game: The Thunder haven’t given up the ball easily this season, having only averaged 11.4 turnovers per game (they rank first in turnovers per game overall). It’s a different story for the Trail Blazers, however, as they have been averaging 15.5. Given the Thunder’s considerable advantage in that area, the Trail Blazers will need to find a way to close that gap.
The Thunder beat the Trail Blazers 109-99 when the teams last played in November 2024. The rematch could be a little more difficult for the Thunder since the team will not have home court advantage this time. We’ll see if the change in location makes a difference.
Odd
Oklahoma City is a heavy 13.5-point favorite against Portland, according to the latest NBA Odds.
The line has shifted a bit towards the Thunder, as the game opened with the Thunder as an 11.5-point favorite.
The Over/Under is 225.5 points.
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History of the series
Oklahoma City has won every game they have played against Portland in the last 3 years.
- November 20, 2024 – Oklahoma City 109 vs. Portland 99
- November 1, 2024 – Oklahoma City 137 vs. Portland 114
- March 6, 2024 – Oklahoma City 128 vs. Portland 120
- January 23, 2024 – Oklahoma City 111 vs. Portland 109
- January 11, 2024 – Oklahoma City 139 vs. Portland 77
- November 19, 2023 – Oklahoma City 134 vs. Portland 91
- March 26, 2023 – Oklahoma City 118 vs. Portland 112
- February 10, 2023 – Oklahoma City 138 vs. Portland 129
- December 21, 2022 – Oklahoma City 101 vs. Portland 98
- December 19, 2022 – Oklahoma City 123 vs. Portland 121
