Thunder vs Trail Blazers Pro Basketball Odds Preview

Posted by Henry Watkins on Tuesday,April 5, 2016 10:23, EDT in

There is a natural tendency to relax and take the foot off the gas a little once you have made it into the playoffs, especially when you have locked up a position that cannot change. Most teams use that opportunity to rest some of their better guys so that the bench players can get some tie in preparation for the playoffs. It can make for some surprising results in the final few games of the regular season, and it’s a chance for NBA bettors to clean up a little by keeping an eye out for teams resting players. The Oklahoma City Thunder are locked into the #3 seed in the Western Conference, and they have lost a few games of late because they have been giving guys a night off. They have a divisional game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night, and I will be previewing this one under the assumption that a full squad will be on the court. You can wager on this one at MyBookie.ag, where all the latest NBA odds will be posted.

How To Bet The Thunder Vs Trail Blazers TV & Game Info

When: Wednesday, April 6 at 10 PM EST
Where: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
TV: FSOK and KGW
Radio: Thunder and Blazers
Live Stream: FoxSportsGo
NBA Odds: TBA

Why bet on the Oklahoma City Thunder

With games on the road on consecutive nights, it’s almost a guarantee that some guys will not play both games for the Thunder (53-24). Who will sit, and which game they will sit in, is the mystery. The Thunder have had a very good season, but they are a team that relies very heavily on the exploits of Russell Westbrook. The big man has had 15 triple-doubles this season, and the Thunder have won every one of those games. OKC had beaten Portland in 2 of the 3 meetings this season, with the lone loss coming in the only game played in Oregon this season. This could be a tricky one for the Thunder, especially if they are not at full strength. OKC are averaging 110.1 PPG, and are giving up 102.9 PPG.

Why bet on the Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers (41-37) are very close to clinching a playoff berth in the Western Conference, and 1 more win might be enough to make it happen. If that isn’t a big enough incentive to put in a performance in this one, I don’t know what it. Portland have been good at home this season, going 26-12 so far, and they have been particularly good against OKC on home court. Going back to the 2013-14 season, the Trail Blazers have won 4 of the 5 games played against the Thunder in Portland. That’s a pretty solid trend for those of you looking for the upset special. Portland are averaging 104.8 PPG, and are giving up 104.2 PPG.

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Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Under ordinary circumstances, I have OKC winning this by 5, but things may not be ordinary here. You have a team desperate for a win going against a team that has nothing to play for. I’m sticking with the Thunder, but realize it may come back to bite me on the behind.

Oklahoma City Thunder 108 Portland Trail Blazers 103