Thunder seek rematch with Portland a day after 123-103 loss

Oklahoma City (8-3), a day removed from a 123-103 loss in Portland, faces the Trail Blazers (7-3) again Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET, with its defense set against an offense that lives on 3-pointers.

Portland scores 117.2 points per 100 possessions, fourth in the league, and half its shots come from deep. Its 3-point rate of 50.5 ranks second, and only one team gets to the line more often.

Oklahoma City has the defense for it on paper. Opponents' effective field goal percentage of 49 is the league's lowest, and the unit ranks fifth overall. On Tuesday it gave up 123 points.

The other end is thinner. The Thunder rank 18th on offense and 29th in 3-point rate, so they rely on ball security: no team turns it over less. Portland ranks 22nd in forcing turnovers.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder with 29.5 points a game, and Isaiah Hartenstein averages 10 rebounds. Deni Avdija leads Portland with 22.5 points and 6.5 assists, while Donovan Clingan has 10.2 rebounds and two blocks.

Oklahoma City is short-handed. Chet Holmgren, who blocks three shots a game, is out, as is Cason Wallace, the team's steals leader. Jalen Williams, at 31.3 minutes a game, Jaylin Williams and Thomas Sorber are also out.

Portland is without guards Ja Morant, Shaedon Sharpe and Vit Krejci. Sharpe, at 28.3 minutes a game, is the biggest absence.

Before Tuesday, Oklahoma City had beaten Cleveland twice and routed Washington 114-75. Portland had lost to San Antonio and the Lakers before beating the Thunder.

Sportsbook prices give Oklahoma City a 52% chance to win. Keel's projection, blended with the market while our model learns, gives Portland 51%.