Tag: Deni Avdija

The Oklahoma City Thunder has won two games in a row since losing to the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas Day, and now they look to extend their win streak at home on New Year’s Eve as they host the Portland Trail Blazers. On Monday against the Atlanta Hawks, the Thunder got off to a hot start on the offensive end, but they struggled on the defensive end, a recurring trend lately. A dominant third quarter flipped the script, however, and although the Hawks made the game interesting in the fourth, OKC held on for the 140-129 win.

Oklahoma City’s defense has struggled as of late, but I see that turning around against a depleted Portland squad. Deni Avdija has had his way with plenty of teams this season—primarily due to a generous whistle that gets him to the free-throw line—but he managed just 11 points the last time he was in OKC. Thunder fans love ringing in the New Year with basketball, so expect a lively crowd that will push Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company into a fast start and blowout territory over the Blazers.