Upcoming Match-ups
Tmrw
20
Apr
1:00 PM
ORL
CLE
+4.5
-4.5
207.5
3:30 PM
PHO
MIN
+1.5
-1.5
214
6:00 PM
PHI
NY
+3
-3
208.5
8:30 PM
LAL
DEN
+7
-7
224
Sunday
21
Apr
3:30 PM
DAL
LAC
-1.5
+1.5
224
7:00 PM
IND
MIL
-1
+1
233
Tuesday
23
Apr
8:30 PM
IND
MIL
+3
-3
239.5
10:00 PM
DAL
LAC
+2
-2
227.5

Now Trailing 3-1 in Series to Blazers, Thunder’s Odds of Advancing Set at +450

David Golokhov

by David Golokhov in NBA Basketball

Updated Mar 26, 2020 · 8:50 AM PDT

Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook and the Thunder are on the ropes. Photo by Mike Clarens (Wikimedia Commons).
  • The Oklahoma City Thunder trail their first-round series 3-1 to the Portland Trail Blazers
  • The Thunder have scored less than 100 points in three of the four games
  • Outside of his 33-point Game 3 effort, Russell Westbrook is averaging just 17.3 points per game in this series

The Oklahoma City opened as a favorite in their first-round series with the Portland Trail Blazers, but they now trail 3-1 as we head back to Portland for Game 5. The NBA playoff series odds have swung heavily in favor of Portland, but can the Thunder get off the mat? Let’s take a look at the series and the betting odds.

Thunder vs Trail Blazers Playoff Series Odds

Team Odds
Portland Trail Blazers -700
Oklahoma City Thunder +450

*Odds taken 04/22/19

Trail Blazers Motivated to Get Out of First-Round

The Trail Blazers have won three of the first four games in this series and seem very focused. They were swept out of the playoffs last year and that really stung. The players – including CJ McCollum after the Game 4 win – have spoken about just how determined they are to get out of the first round.

Thunder’s Offense Has Disappeared

The biggest surprise in this series has been the disappearance of the Thunder’s offense. Oklahoma City finished the regular season seventh in points per game at 114.5. They are way off those numbers in this playoff series as they’ve failed to hit the century mark in three of the games and are averaging just 102.8.

It’s not as if the Trail Blazers are a great defensive team either. They were merely 14th in opponent points per game this season. The issue has been the two stars for the Thunder, who just aren’t delivering.

Paul George has done his best to put the team on his back as he’s scoring 26.8 points per outing along with 8.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 steals. The challenge is that he has a shoulder injury that’s impacting his shooting. He’s making just 37% of his shots from the field after being over 43% in the regular season.

Paul George is making just 37% of his shots from the field after being over 43% in the regular season.

As for Russell Westbrook, his efforts have also been muted. He did score 33 in the Game 3 win but outside of that is averaging a pedestrian 17.3 points per game. He’s also shooting 36.3% from the field and that includes his effort in Game 3 where he shot 50%.

2024 NBA Championship Odds: Track All 30 Teams' Odds to Win NBA Finals
Read More

Not Much From Thunder’s Supporting Cast

With George’s shooting off, Westbrook is being left to do it all and it’s just not happening. He needs help elsewhere but it’s nowhere to be found. Inside, Steven Adams is getting abused by Enes Kanter. He’s scored just 16 points in total in the last two games.

Elsewhere, Dennis Schroder is giving the team 13.2 points per game but on just 40% from the field and 23.5% from three. Jerami Grant is the only other player averaging double figures in this series (10.5) but also with an inefficient 40.6% from the field.

Series is Over

The Thunder just don’t look like they’re up for this. For whatever reason, their spirit looks broken – possibly because of Westbrook, who does really look like he’s elevated his game for the playoffs.

Portland knows they aren’t going to win a championship this year but their goal all season long has been to get out of the first round. Now that it’s within their grasp, they won’t blow it. Bet them to win the series. This Thunder team won’t win three in a row.

Pick: Portland Trail Blazers (-700)

Author Image