The Oklahoma City Thunder trail their first-round series 3-1 to the Portland Trail Blazers
The Thunder have scored less than 100 points in three of the four games
Outside of his 33-point Game 3 effort, Russell Westbrook is averaging just 17.3 points per game in this series
The Oklahoma City opened as a favorite in their first-round series with the Portland Trail Blazers, but they now trail 3-1 as we head back to Portland for Game 5. The NBA playoff series odds have swung heavily in favor of Portland, but can the Thunder get off the mat? Let’s take a look at the series and the betting odds.
Thunder vs Trail Blazers Playoff Series Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Portland Trail Blazers | -700 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +450 |
*Odds taken 04/22/19
Trail Blazers Motivated to Get Out of First-Round
The Trail Blazers have won three of the first four games in this series and seem very focused. They were swept out of the playoffs last year and that really stung. The players – including CJ McCollum after the Game 4 win – have spoken about just how determined they are to get out of the first round.
Thunder’s Offense Has Disappeared
The biggest surprise in this series has been the disappearance of the Thunder’s offense. Oklahoma City finished the regular season seventh in points per game at 114.5. They are way off those numbers in this playoff series as they’ve failed to hit the century mark in three of the games and are averaging just 102.8.
It’s not as if the Trail Blazers are a great defensive team either. They were merely 14th in opponent points per game this season. The issue has been the two stars for the Thunder, who just aren’t delivering.
Paul George has done his best to put the team on his back as he’s scoring 26.8 points per outing along with 8.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 steals. The challenge is that he has a shoulder injury that’s impacting his shooting. He’s making just 37% of his shots from the field after being over 43% in the regular season.
Elsewhere, Dennis Schroder is giving the team 13.2 points per game but on just 40% from the field and 23.5% from three. Jerami Grant is the only other player averaging double figures in this series (10.5) but also with an inefficient 40.6% from the field.
Series is Over
The Thunder just don’t look like they’re up for this. For whatever reason, their spirit looks broken – possibly because of Westbrook, who does really look like he’s elevated his game for the playoffs.
Portland knows they aren’t going to win a championship this year but their goal all season long has been to get out of the first round. Now that it’s within their grasp, they won’t blow it. Bet them to win the series. This Thunder team won’t win three in a row.
Pick: Portland Trail Blazers (-700)