Thunder Gameday: Oklahoma City Hosts Portland Trail Blazers in Second Night of Back-to-Back

Less than 24 hours after landing back in Oklahoma City from Miami, the Thunder — currently on a two-game win streak — is set to host Scoot Henderson and the Portland Trail Blazers with a chance to extend their streak to three straight games.

After starting a mini-win streak on the road in Miami, securing a down-to-the-wire victory over the Heat in a weather battle, the Oklahoma City Thunder is set to take its home court once again to host the Portland Trail Blazers.

Oklahoma City's visitors find themselves in a slump, having lost four of their last five games — all of which were on the road. Facing the Thunder is the penultimate installment of Portland's road trip, as it will conclude up in Minnesota.

coot Henderson and company aren't focused against the Timberwolves, however. They're worried about emerging from Paycom Center victorious. 

But so, too, is the Thunder.

As both teams prepare to tipoff on Thursday, the Trail Blazers will have a slight advantage in rest time, having been able to rest Wednesday while Oklahoma City was busy battling Miami. The difference in rest and preparation could play a role in the game's outcome, but if one thing is certain, the Thunder isn't going to treat that as an excuse.

It will simply be looking to play good, clean basketball.

Nov 19, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Davis Bertans (9) shoots over Portland Trail Blazers guard Skylar Mays (5) in the first half at Moda Center / © Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

ODDS:

The Thunder enters the day as 13-point favorites to the Trail Blazers, and the total over/under is 233.5 points. 

KEYS TO THE GAME:

Winning two games in a row in the NBA isn't a feat that any coach would describe as easy. Oklahoma City knows that — as does Mark Daigneault — which is why it won't be taking the Trail Blazers' recent struggles lightly.

Reaping the benefits of an extra day of rest will be at the top of Portland's priority list, which is why the Thunder has to find a way to nullify that advantage quickly. Starting fast will be crucial to that effort, as Chet Holmgren, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and even Josh Giddey have proven capable of doing multiple times this season. 

Speaking of Holmgren, he's far from locking up the Rookie of the Year race, but he certainly is near the top. Portland's rookie, Scoot Henderson, hasn't been the prospect he promised to be thus far, but that's only motivated him further. Matching up against another rookie taken at a higher number than him likely will have a similar effect, so stifling his production on offense will also be of importance. 

Overall, the Thunder has proven it can win games even after one the night before. Facing the Trail Blazers won't be a pushover game, but it is very winnable for the NBA's second youngest squad. 

It just has to execute.

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (25-11) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (10-26)

INJURIES:

Check out our live injury tracker, along with our game day injury report that will release later today.

WHEN:

Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 at 7 p.m. CT

LOCATION:

Paycom Center — Oklahoma City, OK

TV/RADIO:

Bally Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

Live Stream: fuboTV (Start Your Free Trial)

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