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Thunder Seek to Extend Unbeaten Start, Dominate Trail Blazers Yet Again
PORTLAND — The Oklahoma City Thunder have made a habit of steamrolling the Portland Trail Blazers, and they’ll look to extend that dominance — and their perfect start to the season — when they meet Wednesday night at the Moda Center.
Oklahoma City has won 16 straight against Portland, sweeping the season series for four consecutive years. The 2023–24 campaign included two blowouts — 139–77 and 134–91 — with the first matching the fifth-largest margin of victory in NBA history.
The Thunder arrive unbeaten at 8–0, their best start since relocating from Seattle, and remain the NBA’s only undefeated team. The Blazers, meanwhile, sit at 4–3 and will try to rebound from a disappointing 123–115 home loss to the short-handed Lakers on Monday.
Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET, with coverage on KUNP. For the latest odds and betting trends, visit NBA Scores and Odds.
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Momentum Building in Oklahoma City
The Thunder’s dominance continued Tuesday with a 126–107 win over the Clippers, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 30 points and 12 assists — all in just three quarters. His 18-point third period helped OKC break open a tight game and coast to its eighth straight victory.
Gilgeous-Alexander has scored 30+ points in seven of eight games and now owns the third-longest streak in NBA history for consecutive 20-point games (80), trailing only Wilt Chamberlain’s two legendary runs.
“I just put in the work,” said the reigning MVP. “I take care of my body, get enough rest, and repeat. I found a formula that works for me.”
Oklahoma City’s offense ranks among the NBA’s elite, averaging 122.1 points per game (5th) and hitting 49.7% from the field (2nd). The defense has been just as potent, allowing only 109.7 points per game, good for 3rd in the league.
Isaiah Joe came off the bench with a season-high 22 points and six triples in the win, while Isaiah Hartenstein emphasized the team’s mindset: “Instead of looking at defending a championship, we’re chasing one.”
For in-depth team metrics and standings, visit the NBA Teams page.
Blazers Aim to End Losing Streak
The Trail Blazers enter this matchup after seeing a three-game winning streak snapped by the Lakers, who were missing stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Interim coach Tiago Splitter wasn’t pleased with his team’s effort.
“I was afraid we might relax,” Splitter admitted. “They played harder than us, shot the ball better, and we couldn’t dominate with our defense.”
Deni Avdija poured in a season-best 33 points and continues to be Portland’s go-to scorer, logging six 20+ point games in his last seven. Shaedon Sharpe, playing through a calf issue, added 23 points and 7 rebounds and is expected to suit up Wednesday.
Portland’s offense ranks 9th in scoring (120.3 ppg) and 4th in free throws made per game (23). Their aggressive style has kept them in games, but their defense ranks 26th in opponent scoring (117.6 ppg) — a troubling matchup against the league’s hottest team.
Injury Report
Oklahoma City Thunder
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Jalen Williams (F) | Out | Wrist |
| Chet Holmgren (C) | Questionable | Back Soreness |
| Isaiah Joe (G) | Probable | Conditioning |
Portland Trail Blazers
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Shaedon Sharpe (G) | Probable | Calf |
| Malcolm Brogdon (G) | Out | Hamstring |
| Scoot Henderson (G) | Out | Ankle |
Stay updated on lineup confirmations and live injury updates at NBA Scores and Odds.
Betting Insights and Trends
The Thunder are 5-point road favorites, with the total set at 228.5. Oklahoma City has covered in six of its last seven games, while Portland has hit the over in five of its last six.
- Oklahoma City Thunder are 8–0 SU (100%) this season.
- Thunder are 4–0 ATS in road games this season.
- Portland Trail Blazers are 5–2 ATS in their last seven games.
- Over has hit in 70% of Thunder games this season.
- Thunder have won 16 straight versus the Blazers (dating back to 2021).
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Prediction
The Thunder have shown no signs of slowing down, winning by double digits in five straight games. Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership, combined with OKC’s defensive depth and ball movement, gives them a decisive edge against a Blazers team still finding its footing.
If Portland hopes to hang around, Avdija and Sharpe must replicate their scoring outbursts — but stopping Oklahoma City’s rhythm for 48 minutes looks unlikely.
Projected Final Score: Thunder 121, Trail Blazers 111
Best Bets: Thunder -5 | Over 228.5
For full NBA coverage, player stats, and betting trends, visit NBA Scores and Stats.
