The Oklahoma City Thunder will look to run their latest winning streak to three games as they host the Portland Trail Blazers on New Year’s Eve.
Oklahoma City isn’t exactly struggling, but it hasn’t been as sharp on defense recently, and that’s leading me to take the Over in my Trail Blazers vs. Thunder predictions.
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Let’s take a closer look with my free NBA picks for Wednesday, December 31.
Trail Blazers vs Thunder prediction
Trail Blazers vs Thunder best bet: Over 232.5 (-110)
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the best defensive team in the NBA by a large margin for most of this season, particularly during their 24-1 run to start the year.
But OKC hasn’t looked as sharp on the defensive end in recent weeks, and that’s not just because of their losses to the San Antonio Spurs. It’s also coming off a 140-129 win over the Atlanta Hawks, and has played to totals of 233+ in three of its last four.
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Over their last eight games, the Thunder have played to a 110.5 defensive rating. That’s far from bad – it would rank sixth in the NBA – but it’s not the same level of dominance that we’ve come to expect from this group. Still, the offense has remained among the best in the NBA, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.2 points per game) powering Oklahoma City to wins in its last two games.
The Portland Trail Blazers haven’t been among the best offensive teams in the NBA this year, but they’ve found some success against Oklahoma City.
The Blazers were responsible for the Thunder’s lone loss suffered in their first 25 games, and have scored 115+ in two of the first three meetings between these teams.
In those three games, Portland and Oklahoma City have combined for 238+ points twice. And with the Thunder trying to figure things out on defense, I expect a similar output tonight.
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Trail Blazers vs Thunder same-game parlay
The Trail Blazers played relatively well against the Thunder this season and could take advantage of Oklahoma City’s recent defensive lapses. Plus, Deni Avdija has gone Over this number in seven of his last eight games. To round out our parlay, let’s throw in a bet on SGA to score Over 30.5 points, something he’s done in two of the first three meetings with Portland this year.
Trail Blazers vs Thunder SGP
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Deni Avdija Over 38.5 points + rebounds + assists
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 30.5 points
Our “from downtown” SGP: Donovan’s Double Trouble
Portland center Donovan Clingan has put up double-doubles in four of his last six games overall
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Trail Blazers vs Thunder SGP
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Deni Avdija Over 38.5 points + rebounds + assists
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 30.5 points
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Donovan Clingan double-double
Trail Blazers vs Thunder odds
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Spread: Trail Blazers +16 (-110) | Thunder -16 (-110)
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Moneyline: Trail Blazers +750 | Thunder -1200
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Over/Under: Over 232.5 (-110) | Under 232.5 (-110)
Trail Blazers vs Thunder betting trend to know
The Over is 3-1 in Oklahoma City’s last four games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Thunder.
How to watch Trail Blazers vs Thunder
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Location |
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK |
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Date |
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 |
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Tip-off |
8:00 p.m. ET |
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TV |
KUNP, FDSN Oklahoma |
Trail Blazers vs Thunder latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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