Can Portland stun Oklahoma City twice in a row? Trail Blazers vs Thunder prediction – 12.11.2026
Portland Trail Blazers
Oklahoma City Thunder
On November 12, 2026, the Portland Trail Blazers will host the Oklahoma City Thunder at Moda Center in another intriguing NBA Western Conference showdown. The teams meet for the second time in two days, with Portland coming off an impressive 123-103 victory. The Trail Blazers have improved their record to 7-3, while Oklahoma City stand at 8-3 after suffering their third defeat of the season.
Portland Trail Blazers: Lillard and Avdija lead an impressive response
Portland have enjoyed an encouraging start to the 2026/27 NBA season, winning seven of their first ten games. Despite consecutive defeats against the Los Angeles Lakers (118-124) and San Antonio Spurs (103-125), the Trail Blazers responded emphatically by defeating Oklahoma City by 20 points.
Damian Lillard was the standout performer, finishing with 25 points and four successful three-pointers in just 23 minutes. Deni Avdija delivered another outstanding all-around performance with 24 points, eight assists and six rebounds, while Donovan Clingan contributed seven points and 13 rebounds.
One of the most important developments was head coach Micah Nori's decision to change his rotation. Scoot Henderson was moved to the bench, with Sidy Cissoko entering the starting five and responding with 17 points. Jrue Holiday added 11 points as a reserve, demonstrating the additional offensive options available to Portland.
The Trail Blazers' perimeter shooting proved particularly effective. They converted 19 three-pointers, repeatedly punishing Oklahoma City's defensive rotations and creating separation during the third quarter.
However, Portland still face significant personnel problems. Ja Morant remains unavailable with a hamstring injury, Shaedon Sharpe is recovering from meniscus surgery, and Vít Krejčí is sidelined with an ankle fracture. Robert Williams III could also be rested after playing in the first meeting, as the coaching staff continue to manage his workload.
Nevertheless, Lillard's leadership, Avdija's versatility and Clingan's presence around the basket give Portland a competitive foundation.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Major injuries test the visitors' depth
Oklahoma City entered the first meeting on a four-game winning streak, including convincing victories over Memphis (128-97) and Washington (114-75). Mark Daigneault's team had demonstrated impressive defensive organization and efficiency, but struggled to maintain that standard against Portland.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 26 points and eight rebounds, although he converted only eight of his 22 field-goal attempts. Jared McCain provided 21 points, while Ajay Mitchell contributed 14. However, the Thunder managed just 103 points, with their offense becoming increasingly predictable as the contest progressed.
The biggest concern for Oklahoma City remains their extensive injury list. Jalen Williams is sidelined following ankle surgery, Chet Holmgren continues recovering from a knee injury, and Cason Wallace is unavailable after shoulder surgery.
The Thunder are also missing Jaylin Williams because of back problems and Thomas Sorber following knee surgery. Nikola Topić remains outside the NBA rotation on a G League assignment.
These absences have significantly reduced Daigneault's flexibility, particularly in the frontcourt and defensive backcourt.
Isaiah Hartenstein continues to provide physicality, rebounding and playmaking, while rookie Aday Mara has taken on additional responsibilities. Alex Caruso offers defensive experience, and McCain has become an increasingly important offensive contributor.
However, without Holmgren's rim protection and Jalen Williams' secondary creation, Oklahoma City depend heavily on Gilgeous-Alexander to generate quality scoring opportunities.
The Thunder remain dangerous, but the limited rotation could become an even greater disadvantage in another demanding encounter.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Portland defeated Oklahoma City 123-103 in their previous meeting on November 10.
- The Trail Blazers have won seven of their first ten games, while the Thunder have recorded eight victories in eleven matches.
- Damian Lillard scored 25 points and Deni Avdija added 24 in the previous encounter.
- Oklahoma City have won three of their six away games this season.
- Before their latest defeat, the Thunder had won 19 of their previous 20 meetings against Portland.
Can Portland maintain its momentum? Trail Blazers vs Thunder prediction
Oklahoma City possess enough individual quality to respond after such a disappointing defeat. Gilgeous-Alexander remains one of the NBA's most dangerous offensive players, and Daigneault will undoubtedly look to improve his team's defensive organization and perimeter coverage.
However, Portland have already demonstrated how to exploit the Thunder's weakened rotation. Lillard and Avdija provide two reliable creators, while Clingan's rebounding and the contributions of Cissoko and Holiday give the hosts several additional options.
The short turnaround also favors the team that can maintain its physical intensity and distribute minutes effectively. Oklahoma City's numerous absences leave considerably less room for tactical adjustments and increase the pressure on their available starters.
Another 20-point Portland victory is far from guaranteed, especially considering Oklahoma City's strong overall record and the talent of Gilgeous-Alexander. Nevertheless, the hosts have enough offensive versatility and confidence to remain competitive throughout the encounter.
Even if the Thunder produce a stronger performance, Portland should be capable of keeping the contest extremely close and potentially securing another victory.
Prediction: Portland Trail Blazers (+2.5 points).
