Trail Blazers at Thunder Under 229 1/2
Surprised this point spread is so low? Don’t be. The Thunder are treating this game as a rest stop.
Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault is sitting out much of his rotation, including Shai Gilgeous Alexander. The Thunder also won’t have Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, Carson Wallace and Ajay Mitchell. Chet Holmgren is questionable after missing the Thunder’s last game.
Still, I can’t trust Portland. The Trail Blazers are at the tail end of their seven-game road swing. This is their fourth game in six days. Oh, yeah, the Trail Blazers haven’t beaten the Thunder since April of 2021, a string of 15 consecutive defeats.
But I am going to get involved with this game. Considering the circumstances, Under is the way to go.
Portland has picked up its defense. If you discount games against the powerful Cavaliers and Celtics, the Trail Blazers have given up an average of 105 points in their last five matchups.
The Trail Blazers are dealing with multiple injuries, too, with three of their top five scorers being in and out of the lineup. Don’t look for the Trail Blazers to push pace either considering their heavy fatigue factor.
Oklahoma City finally got back to its elite defensive form holding the Grizzlies to 103 points this past Wednesday. That was 20 points below Memphis’ season average and Ja Morant did play, logging nearly 32 minutes in that game.
I am 6-1 on my NBA sides plays this month and have my NBA Game of the Week today. I am on a 22-10 premium play college basketball run and have two CBB plays in addition to this NBA free selection. If you are interested in my sports service please email me at scriber26@gmail.com, or message me via X. All plays come with analysis and are emailed well ahead of game time.
Best of luck and no bad beats!
