Depleted Thunder to Face Trail Blazers in Critical Matchup

OKLAHOMA CITY, March 7, 2025 – The Oklahoma City Thunder (51-11) will host the Portland Trail Blazers (28-35) on Friday night, seeking to extend their five-game winning streak despite a series of injuries to key players.

The matchup at Paycom Center is crucial for the Blazers, who find themselves four games behind the 10th-place Dallas Mavericks. The Thunder are currently favored by just two points, a surprising statistic given their strong season record.

Oklahoma City’s injury report revealed that four of its top six scorers will miss the game: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (rest), Jalen Williams (right wrist sprain), Luguentz Dort (right patellofemoral soreness), and Isaiah Hartenstein (nasal fracture surgery). Additionally, Chet Holmgren (right lower leg) is listed as questionable. This absence leaves an expected 74.8 points per game off the court, significantly impacting the team’s offensive capabilities.

Portland’s inconsistency against teams missing star players does not bode well for their aspirations. Earlier this season, they suffered heavy defeats to the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz, both of whom played without key contributors.

The Blazers’ head coach, Chauncey Billups, emphasized the importance of capitalizing on the situation. “Every game counts for us, especially against a team like this that’s down. We need to show up and make a statement,” Billups stated.

The Thunder, while facing their own struggles with roster depth, continue to dominate in the West. Despite the absence of stars, they aim to secure a playoff position that will guarantee home-court advantage. Aaron Wiggins is expected to play, which may help mitigate the loss of offensive firepower.

With Dallas set to face Memphis and Phoenix playing at Denver on the same night, this game could hold significant ramifications for Portland’s playoff hopes. Any victory could pull them closer to contention for the play-in tournament.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with coverage available on KATU and KUNP.