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Both teams struggling in defense

In the last three games, the Thunder have conceded 108,6 points, while the Blazers have conceded 111,5 in the last 11 games, so we can expect an efficient game tonight

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Things seemed rather idyllic for Oklahoma City Thunder after the All-Star break, they seemed ready to go in the hunt for the 4th position, since they were on a three game winning run, and in the meantime they acquired decent players like Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott and Norris Cole for a low price. But then they had a road-trip during which they recorded three back-to-back defeats, the worst of which was probably the one in Dallas where Billy Donovan's team lost 104-89 on Sunday. 

- We have to be aware that the defense consists of a series of segments which we have to do as a team. We have to be ready to help each other - said coach Donovan whose team conceded 108,6 points during the road-trip. 

After he recorded 44,3 points, 11,8 rebounds and 8,5 assists in the previous 4 games, Russell Westbrook scored 29 points (8/24), 6 rebounds and 5 assists on Sunday. Steven Adams scored 19 points (8/10) and Enes Kanter 16 (7/14), but they lacked support from their teammates. 

There is a realistic possibility that Victor Oladipo will get back on the court tonight, he missed the last five games due to a back injury, and he didn't travel with the team on the road-trip which enabled him to focus on his rehab. 

- We didn't do any contact drills, but he can shoot. He is feeling well. He will probably be doing some things tomorrow that he didn't do today, and we will see how he'll feel. He said he is feeling well. I haven't asked him what he thought about tomorrow. We are leaving that one up to the medical staff - said coach Donovan.

The Thunder have a solid home court record of 23-8 this season, and tonight they will welcome Portland Trail Blazers who, unlike last season, didn't fire up their nitro-drive after a bad start, which could cost them dearly in the end, at least as far as this season is concerned. They are currently 9th with two games behind the Nuggets, so nothing is lost yet, but it is obvious that they need a winning tun, and as soon as possible. 

After they lost seven of the previous nine games, Terry Stotts' team recorded two straight wins, and they should be well rested tonight since their game at Minneapolis was delayed due to court issues, which is not necessarily a bad thing. They had five games on their schedule this week.

- It is fun to chase something. People are saying that it would be smarter for us to lose and things like that, but we see the situation as a challenge. Now is the time to give our best. We don't have too much room for mistakes and that makes things more fun - said Damian Lillard who recorded 19 points (7/16), 11 assists in their 130-116 win over the Nets on Saturday, while C.J. McCollum scored 31 points (13/22). 

The offense is rarely a problem for the Blazers, but they are dangerously lagging in defense, especially in the last 11 games, during which they conceded 111,5 points on average. They can find some hope tonight in the fact that they won two out of three of their head-to-heads against Thunder this season.