Oklahoma lost just its 8th game for the season, I’m expecting them to flex their muscles against a young, developing Portland side.
Best Bet
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Portland Trail Blazers (10:00am)
It’s hard to ignore this guys run of scoring, as he attempts to secure his first ever MVP award. His team currently sit 6 games clear of anyone else in the Western Conference standings, with most of the responsibility and therefore honours, falling on his shoulders.
He currently leads the league for points per game at an average of 32PPG. He has cleared 30 points in 8 of his last 10, missing twice with 27. Interestingly, both times he missed were on lower minutes, due to beating up on teams and not being required much in the fourth quarter. This bet somewhat requires Portland to stay within striking distance but also know that SGA dropped 54 points in just 37 minutes only 4 days ago. He is a bucket!
SGM – SGA 30+ Points/ Hartenstein 10+ Rebounds/ Caruso 2+ Assists/ OKC Win = $3.50
Value Bet
IHart is back after missing the last 5 games due to a calf strain. At time of writing there is no news of a minutes restriction and if we don’t hear anything before tip off, this is good to go.
Averaging just under 30 mins per game, he has proven himself to be an integral part of OKC’s roster, especially while Holmgren is injured. He averaged 11.5 rebounds per game over his last ten, before injury. He cleared 12 in his last two games including a game of 16 rebounds.
Last time he faced Portland he had 14 rebounds and a double double, off the bench. He will be facing at least a second, if not third string centre with Deandre Ayton already ruled out for this matchup.