Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder face Portland Trail Blazers for the first time since the wave goodbye

By Matthew Hallett

PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 7: Abdel Nader #11 hi-fives Nerlens Noel #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 7, 2019 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 7: Abdel Nader #11 hi-fives Nerlens Noel #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 7, 2019 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Keys to the game

In the last two games for the Trail Blazers, their bench has averaged 24.5 points per game. For the OKC Thunder, the bench has averaged 51.5 points in the last two games. To beat the Blazers, the Thunder bench needs to produce these numbers again.

However, the combination of Lillard and McCollum have averaged 59 points per game in the last two. This is going to be a key to the game, slowing down the best backcourt in the NBA. The combination of Chris Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is going to have their work cut out for them.

The key matchup, however, is going to be Steven Adams against Hassan Whiteside. Whiteside is averaging 13.0 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. Adams is averaging 6.0 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. He has stopped Whiteside cold in previous seasons using his strength and size to great advantage.

It is this size and strength which usually gets Whiteside in foul trouble. This in turn then takes away the other great skill that Whiteside has, shot-blocking. If he is in foul trouble, then the Trail Blazers will have no rim protection, particularly if second-year man Collins does not play due to his shoulder injury.

The question is whether Adams suits up since he also is nursing an injury and is listed on the injury report as day-to-day.

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