The Portland Trail Blazers and Oklahoma City Thunder don’t like each other, and that has been very evident so far in their first-round series. There has been plenty of chippiness in the first three games, and that should happen again in Game 4. With plenty of All-Stars on the court for both teams, you can also expect to see plenty of points scored.
Portland was able to win the first two games of this series on their home floor, but things were a bit different in Oklahoma City. The Thunder responded in a huge way with a 120-108 victory in Game 3 to get back in the series. Oklahoma City knows that this is another must-win game for them if they have any shot of winning this series. The Thunder are a -6.0 point favorite over the Trail Blazers in Game 4 of the series.
Lillard, McCullom Carrying Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers have a pair of dynamic guards, and they have both been phenomenal in the first three games of this series. Point guard Damian Lillard leads the team with 30.3 points and 5.7 assists per game and is capable of leading the Blazers to a victory again in Game 4. Shooting guard CJ McCollum has chipped in with more than 26 points per game and is shooting 50 percent from the three-point line. There is no doubt that these two players are the key for the Blazers.
Portland has just three players averaging double-figures this series, and they could really use some more depth. Seth Curry has been the best player off the bench for the Trail Blazers, but he is averaging just 6.7 points per game. The Blazers have held the Thunder to just 25.7 percent shooting from the three-point line, but they can’t keep Russell Westbrook out of the paint. Portland needs to be great on defense in this game.
Russell Westbrook is Back
Russell Westbrook was good in the first two games of the series, but he was terrific in the Game 3 victory. Westbrook poured in 33 points in Game 3 and did plenty of trash-talking in that game as well. If the Thunder are going to make a comeback in this series, they are going to need the former MVP to be at his best.
Paul George was arguably the best player for the Thunder in the regular season, but he came into this series with a shoulder injury. George hasn’t looked himself but is still leading the team with 25.0 points per game. George and Westbrook give the Thunder a terrific dynamic duo, but they do need some help. Oklahoma City is shooting just 27 percent from deep as a team, and that number must improve going forward.
Thunder Even Up Series
There just isn’t much separation between these two teams, so having the home court should play a huge role. Portland was able to win the two games on their home floor, and the Thunder should be able to do the exact same thing. Oklahoma City will get another great performance from Westbrook and George, and that will be enough to give them a Game 4 win. Bet the Oklahoma City Thunder -6.0 over the Portland Trail Blazers.
