The Portland Trail Blazers travel to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in a Western Conference clash on New Year’s Eve. Portland, struggling at 13th in the West, aims to play spoiler against the top-seeded Thunder, who boast the league’s best record and a dominant home presence. Without key contributors like Jerami Grant, the Blazers face an uphill battle against OKC’s elite defense and scoring depth, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This matchup could highlight youth versus experience, with implications for OKC’s seeding and Portland’s rebuild momentum.
Venue Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This 18,203-capacity arena, opened in 2002, is known for its modern amenities and raucous crowds, especially in high-stakes games.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT). The evening tip-off will be available on Rip City TV Network (Blazers feed), FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma (Thunder feed), and NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Injuries heavily impact Portland, depleting their frontcourt, while OKC manages minor absences but remains largely intact.
Portland Trail Blazers:
Jerami Grant: Out (Injury/Illness – Left Achilles Strain)
Kyshawn George: Out (Injury/Illness – Left Hip Flexor Strain)
Corey Kispert: Out (Injury/Illness – Right Shoulder Strain)
Kyle Kuzma: Out (Injury/Illness – Left Rib Fracture; expected to miss multiple weeks)
Kris Murray: Questionable (Injury/Illness – Right Quadriceps Contusion)
Jonas Valanciunas: Questionable (Injury/Illness – Right Knee Soreness)
Jaylin Williams: Out (Injury/Illness – Right Heel Bursitis)
The Blazers’ depth is tested, potentially forcing more minutes for rookies and bench players.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
Blake Wesley: Out (Injury/Illness – Right Foot Fracture)
Brooks Barnhizer: Out (Injury/Illness – Left Thumb Ligament Tear)
OKC’s core rotation, including Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, is healthy, giving them a clear edge.
Key Player Matchups
This game features lopsided battles favoring OKC’s talent, but Portland’s guards could create sparks if they heat up from deep.
Anfernee Simons (POR) vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC): Simons’ quick-release shooting (22 PPG) faces SGA’s scoring dominance (30 PPG, elite efficiency). SGA’s length and defense could limit Simons, but Portland needs his volume threes to stay competitive.
Deandre Ayton (POR) vs. Chet Holmgren (OKC): Ayton’s rebounding (10 RPG) meets Holmgren’s rim protection (3 BPG) and spacing. Without Grant, Ayton must anchor the paint, but Holmgren’s versatility could pull him out.
Scoot Henderson (POR) vs. Luguentz Dort (OKC): Henderson’s playmaking tests Dort’s tenacious perimeter defense. Dort’s clamps have shut down guards all season, potentially forcing turnovers from the young Blazer.
Bench Battle: Toumani Camara (POR) vs. Isaiah Joe (OKC): Camara’s energy versus Joe’s sharpshooting (high 3P%). OKC’s depth, ranking top-5 in bench scoring, gives them the advantage.
OKC’s league-leading defense (107.9 PPG allowed) should overwhelm Portland’s inconsistent offense.
The Thunder dominate the standings, while the Blazers battle for lottery positioning.
Recent Team Forms
OKC enters on a hot streak, while Portland has been middling with defensive issues.
Portland Trail Blazers (Last 10 Games: 4-6)
Averaging 110.5 PPG, allowing 118.2 (-7.7 margin)
Key wins: 125-122 vs. Dallas (Dec 29), efficient shooting; earlier upsets with strong bench play.
Losses: Blowouts exposing rebounding woes (45.3 RPG overall).
Form: W-L-L-W-L (Inconsistent road play; Simons averaging 25 PPG recently, but high turnovers).
Oklahoma City Thunder (Last 10 Games: 8-2)
Averaging 118.4 PPG, allowing 105.6 (+12.8 margin)
Key wins: 117-102 vs. San Antonio (Dec 29), defensive masterclass; consistent blowouts.
Losses: Rare, with minor shooting dips.
Form: W-W-W-L-W (Three-game win streak; elite efficiency at 49% FG, led by SGA’s 30+ PPG).
Series History
The Thunder lead the all-time series 141-121 in 262 regular-season games. OKC has won the last 5 straight, including 122-95 on Nov 23, 2025, and holds an 8-2 edge in the past 10. Recent matchups favor the under (6 of last 8), averaging 225 points, with OKC 7-3 ATS. Portland’s last win was in 2023.
Betting Trends
Spread: OKC 8-2 ATS last 10; POR 4-6 ATS last 10.
Total Over/Under: Under in 6/8 recent H2H; over in 5/10 POR games.
Other Trends: OKC 15-2 SU at home; 4-0 SU vs. West lately. POR 3-13 ATS on road; 0-5 ATS as +10 or more underdogs. Thunder 6-4 ATS when favored by 10+; under in 7/10 OKC home games.
Game Odds
Portland Trail Blazers 232.5
Oklahoma City Thunder – 15.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 30, 2025
