What to Watch For in OKC Thunder vs. Portland Trail Blazers
The Oklahoma City Thunder face the Portland Trail Blazers on the second night of a back-to-back. The Thunder come into the game undefeated at 8-0, marking the best start in franchise history.
Portland holds a 4-3 overall record and has won three of their last four games. Tiago Splitter is currently serving as the team's acting head coach while investigations continue involving Chauncey Billups, who is on leave.
Player Availability
- Out for the Trail Blazers: Scoot Henderson, Matisse Thybulle, Blake Wesley, and Damian Lillard.
- Probable: Shaedon Sharpe, dealing with a calf strain.
- Thunder absences include All-NBA swingman Jalen Williams, veteran big man Kenrich Williams, and rookie guard Nikola Topic.
Key Players to Watch
On the back-to-back second night, attention will focus on rising star big man Chet Holmgren and bench guard Ajay Mitchell, both of whom suffered hard falls Tuesday but remained in the game against the Clippers.
Defensive specialist Lu Dort exited Tuesday's game early due to a shoulder contusion. The Thunder's official injury report will be released Wednesday afternoon.
"The Oklahoma City Thunder are taking on the Portland Trail Blazers on the second night of a back-to-back with an unblemished 8-0 record –– the best start in franchise history."
"Portland comes in with a 4-3 record, but 3-1 in their last four, with Tiago Splitter serving as the team's active head coach."
Author's Summary: The Thunder aim to extend their historic start against a Blazers team dealing with multiple absences and coaching changes on the second night of a back-to-back.