Oklahoma City Thunder vs Portland Trail Blazers: Match Preview and Predictions - 27th November 2019
Match Details
Fixture: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Portland Trail Blazers
Date & Time: Wednesday, 27th November 2019 (10:00 PM ET)
Venue: Moda Center, Portland, OR
Last Game Results
Oklahoma City Thunder (6-10): 100-97 win over the Golden State Warriors (25th November)
Portland Trail Blazers (6-12): 117-94 win over the Chicago Bulls (25th November)
Oklahoma City Thunder Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder are unlikely to threaten for a playoff spot this season, although they have performed better than expected since the offseason departures of Russell Westbrook and Paul George. While the Thunder have made a 6-10 start to the season, they have remained competitive in almost every game - only losing by double digits on two occasions.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's development is also coming along well as he serves as the focal point of Billy Donovan's team, while Steven Adams' performances are improving following a slow start to the season.
Key Player - Chris Paul
Portland boasts one of the NBA's best backcourts in CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard, and the Thunder will need Paul to counter the elite duo. CP3 has combined for 38 points over his last two outings, and his ability to knock down his three-point attempts will be key.
Thunder Predicted Lineup:
Danilo Gallinari, Terrance Ferguson, Steven Adams, Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Portland Trail Blazers Preview
The Portland Trail Blazers have been the most disappointing team of the season so far. After reaching the 2019 Western Conference Finals, the Trail Blazers have won just six of their first opening eighteen games, although there were plenty of positives during Monday's win over the Chicago Bulls.
Damian Lillard looked sharp after missing much of Week 5 through injury, while Carmelo Anthony dropped a season-high 25 points. Hassan Whiteside also recorded a double-double on his return, and Portland will be hoping that Monday's win helps to spark a much-needed turnaround.
Key Player - Damian Lillard
Lillard took just 10 shots during Portland's win over Chicago, finishing with 13 points, 12 assists, and 2 steals. Nevertheless, Lillard is among the NBA's top scorers this season with 27.3 per game, and the point guard memorably destroyed the Thunder in the 2019 postseason.
Trail Blazers Predicted Lineup:
Carmelo Anthony, Rodney Hood, Hassan Whiteside, CJ McCollum, Damian Lillard
Thunder vs Trail Blazers Match Prediction
The Thunder will be out for revenge against a Portland team that virtually ended the Russell Westbrook era last April, although the Trail Blazers played some of their basketball of the season on Monday night, and they should have enough to overcome a stubborn OKC team
Where to Watch Thunder vs Trail Blazers?
There will be local coverage of the game on NBC Sports Northwest and Fox Sports Oklahoma from 10:00 PM ET. You can also live stream the game via NBA League Pass.