The Portland Trail Blazers return home from a 3-0 trip with a four-game winning streak to face their most daunting home stand of the season starting Sunday afternoon with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Blazers have lost twice to the Thunder, falling 137-114 at home on Nov. 1 and 109-99 on the road on Nov. 20.
The Blazers put forth an impressive defensive effort at the Thunder to trail by just one point entering the fourth quarter.
Portland has played impressively on defense lately, allowing 96 points per game during their last four victories. But it’s doubtful Portland’s defense will hold up against the Thunder.
Oklahoma City ranks sixth in offensive rating (116), first in defensive rating (103.7) and first in net rating (plus-12.3).
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the NBA with 32 points per game.
Prediction: The Thunder will win. There’s no need for an explanation.
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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS VS. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
What: Trail Blazers (17-28) vs. Thunder (36-8), 3 p.m., Sunday.
Where: Fashion Center.
Radio: Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM).
TV channel: Katu (Antenna: 2.2 in Portland. Xfinity: 302 and 1170. DirecTV: 688-1. KUNP (Antenna: 47.1. Xfinity: 16, 302, 1170. DirecTV: 47. Spectrum: 184).
-How to Watch: Rip City TV Network. If you don’t have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE with the help of an HDTV antenna on your local ABC affiliate (Charge 2.2 in Portland). These antennas are very easy to install and cost around $20. You can purchase one at your local Bi-Mart or Fred Meyer, or buy one online at Walmart or from Amazon and have it shipped quickly to your home. Here are some instructions on how to set up an HDTV antenna on your television or other display. You can find out more about which channel Rip City TV Network is on in your area by using the channel finder here.
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ODDS (Oregon Lottery/DraftKings)
Moneyline: By +470 | OKC -650
Spread: By +11.5 | Over/Under: 225.5
INJURIES
Blazers: Deandre Ayton (right knee soreness) and Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain) are out for Friday.
Thunder: Cason Wallace (nasal fracture) is available. Luguentz there (right knee soreness), Chet Holmgren (right iliac fracture), Nikola Topic (left knee surgery) and Ajay Mitchell (right toe surgery) are
NEXT UP
The Blazers host Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
– Aaron faresment | [email protected] | @Aaronjfentress (Twitter), @Aaronjfentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)
