Without Key Players, OKC Thunder Make Interesting Starting Lineup Decision Against Portland

A second meeting in Portland

The Thunder and Trail Blazers are playing again less than 24 hours after their previous game, with Oklahoma City on the road for the second game of its four-game trip. Portland won that matchup by 20 points.

The teams were tied 59-59 at halftime, but Portland outscored Oklahoma City by 17 in the third quarter. The report says the fourth quarter became garbage time after that run.

Both teams missing players

Oklahoma City will be without Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, Jaylin Williams, Thomas Sorber and Nikola Topic. Mitchell had been a bright spot for the Thunder’s offense the previous night, according to the report.

Portland is also short-handed, with Ja Morant, Shaedon Sharpe, Chris Youngblood and Vit Krejci unavailable for this game. The report describes Oklahoma City’s absences as a major loss for a roster expected to rank among the league’s best.

Caruso enters the starting five

With the Thunder depleted, veteran Alex Caruso is starting. The report calls the move unusual during his time in Oklahoma City. The account also says Oklahoma City’s four-game losing streak was snapped in the previous game, while describing that same game as a blowout loss. Those statements conflict.

A chance to limit the damage

The report says the Thunder need to get through the full 48 minutes and suggests that splitting the two-game set would be an impressive result. It also says Oklahoma City could focus on its weekend game and aim to finish the road trip 2-2 before returning home.

The Thunder have earned impressive wins in the past, the report notes, especially when they have avoided falling far behind. It leaves open the possibility that this game will not snowball against them.