Game Tonight: OKC Thunder vs Blazers odds, injury update, prediction for Dec. 21st

The fans of the OKC Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers got a treat on Monday night with Damian Lillard making history and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander serving up yet another clutch time game-winner.

It was my favorite game of the season and I’m super envious that my partner in writing crime (Rylan Stiles) was there in person witnessing history in motion.

Lillard is such a classy player so it wasn’t surprising he took time after the game to sing SGA’s praises.

Dame cited his early career and how he found his footing as the leader of the Blazer paralleling the similarity to Shai.

SGA also reflected that message back and his desire to emulate Lillard’s career which is terrific news for the fan base. It means he’s driven to be the best — but it also means he’d prefer to do that with one organization.

This second game of the baseball set can’t measure up to the first in terms of history – Dame already set the record. But -we might get another thriller.

Thunderous Intentions dives into the specifics.

• Scroll down for our Thunder – Blazers Game Details

OKC Thunder vs Blazers Odds, Spread, Over/Under

The higher-seeded Blazers are four-point favorites. The over/under is 234.5 points while the moneyline tags the OKC Thunder at plus +135  and the Blazers at minus -185

Some other betting notables:

• The OKC Thunder are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
• The Blazers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games.
• The OKC Thunder are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games at home.
• The Blazers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as the road team in OKC.
• OKC is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when hosting Portland.
• The Blazers are 12-6 ATS in their last 18 games on the road.
• The OKC Thunder are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games.
• The Blazers are 0-5 straight-up in their last 5 games against Oklahoma City.
• The total has gone under in 8 of OKC’s last 11 games played in December.
• The total has gone over in 6 of Portland’s last 7 games.
• The total has gone under in 6 of Oklahoma City’s last 8 games.
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland’s last 6 games on the road.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Injury Report

First, a note — the Thunder still operates in the old-school format when it comes to updates. So while the official NBA injury report gets updated on the hour – – OKC has stuck to the old format of updating at 12:30, 4:30 or 9:30.

Since I’m composing these articles late at night or early morning that means I’m using what is current but might not be reflective of the game plan.

For example, on Monday, the report had Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as definitively out — but as we know he didn’t just play he was the hero of the game.

Moving forward, I’ll try to check the 4:30 report to update my posts (depending on my schedule). So, my advice would be if you’re betting on the game to wait for that 4:30 report.

Anyway – as of this writing the OKC Thunder I’m using the 5:30 AM report…

The two players who could change (currently listed as out) are  Josh Giddey (illness) and Darius Bazley (illness).

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (ankle), and Ousmane Dieng (non-displaced wrist fracture) are also out plus Chet Holmgren (foot) who is shut down for the season.
Per the report, Tre Mann and Jaylin Williams remain on G League assignment.

The Blazers have upgraded their list with only two players noted – – Jusuf Nurkic (calf), Gary Payton II (conditioning), and Nassir Little (hip) are all questionable to play tonight.

*based on official NBA injury report as of 5:30 AM EST

OKC Thunder vs. Blazers key matchup and prediction

Per the above, Lillard’s comments regarding Gilgeous-Alexander are worth noting…

"“He’s impressive,” Lillard said. “He’s obviously a really good player. Not just a good young player. He’s coming into his own. I can remember when I was younger and I became the leader of a team. And I was basically introducing myself as the lead guard on the team, and I was going after it, you know, being aggressive. And I see that he’s in that state. He’s trying to show what he can do.”"

SGA is averaging 31.3 points,  5.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds,1.7 steals, and a block per game. His shooting splits are 50.1 percent from the field taking 20.8 shots, 34.5 percent from deep attempting 3.0 shots from that range and he continues to rock from the charity stripe attempting 10.2 shots while shooting 93.3 percent.

As for the team, they are averaging 115.5 points per game which ranks ninth best. They shoot 46.0 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from deep which ranks 22nd and 23rd.

On the opposite side of the hardwood, OKC ranks 27th for opponent scoring allowing 117.1 points per contest. Foes are shooting 46.5 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from deep ranking 11th and 20th respectively.

For those who would like to review Portland’s performances in these areas, check out the Monday preview as I focused on them in this segment.

As for the outcome, these baseball sets do typically end in a split but the Thunder were very impressive Monday and could be getting Giddey back.

The oddsmakers cut the spread in half (sign of respect to OKC?) and we know Dame will be fired up to ensure his side performs.

Jerami Grant is no longer listed on their injury report which means Mark Daigneault’s game plan will need to incorporate stopping him, Dame and Simons. Grant will be motivated to play well against his former team which is why I think the set ends up split.

That said, I still like the OKC Thunder to keep it close so I’d take the points and the Thunder when betting on this match.

What channel is the Thunder-Blazers game on?

Per usual the game will be broadcast on Bally Sports Oklahoma or NBA League Pass. Tip-Off is set for 8:00 p.m. EST (7:00 CT) from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

OKC Thunder vs. Blazers Live Stream

If you need a live stream of the event, check out FuboTV for a free trial!

Thunder Next Game and Schedule

The OKC Thunder will close the week against the Pelicans on Friday.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.