Thunder's top defense faces Blazers offense built on free throws

The Oklahoma City Thunder (8-2) and the league's best defense visit the Portland Trail Blazers (6-3) and the NBA's top free-throw rate on Tuesday night, with tip-off at 11 p.m. ET.

Portland scores 116.4 points per 100 possessions, sixth in the league, with an effective field goal percentage of 56.2. Oklahoma City allows 103.1 per 100, the fewest anywhere, and holds opponents to a 48.4 effective field goal percentage, also the lowest.

The free-throw line is the second front. The Blazers lead the league with a free-throw rate of 0.372, but the Thunder rank fourth in keeping opponents off the line.

Oklahoma City also protects the ball better than anyone, with a turnover rate of 10.7. Portland ranks 24th in forcing turnovers.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carries the Thunder offense at 29.9 points a game on 46.1% shooting. Isaiah Hartenstein averages 10.1 rebounds and works the offensive glass.

Deni Avdija runs Portland, with 22.3 points and 6.3 assists a game. Donovan Clingan averages 9.9 rebounds and two blocks, and he meets a Thunder frontcourt missing its rim protector.

Chet Holmgren, who leads Oklahoma City with three blocks a game, is out. So are Jalen Williams, at 31.3 minutes a night, and Cason Wallace, the team's steals leader, along with Thomas Sorber, Jaylin Williams and Nikola Topic.

Portland is also short in the backcourt, with Shaedon Sharpe, Ja Morant, Vit Krejci and John Tonje all out for the game.

The Thunder have won four straight, including a 114-75 rout of Washington and a 128-97 win at Memphis. The Blazers have lost two in a row: 125-103 at home to San Antonio and 124-118 at the Lakers.

Sportsbook prices give Oklahoma City a 54% chance to win; Keel's projection puts it at 52%. The Thunder are the favorite in both.