Thunder's schedule now includes gauntlet nobody saw coming
Many thought the OKC Thunder were gifted a straight shot back to the Conference Finals thanks to the West's supposed decline. Apparently, they thought wrong.
Thunder
Latest news and updates about the Thunder
Injury Notes: Williams, Haliburton, Wilson, Barnes, James, Bona, Sorber
Grant Williams finally returns for the Hornets, announcing his season debut after a right hamstring strain kept him out since September. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers) faces at least five more games on the sidelines with a hamstring issue, and Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson sustains a right hand injury after a collision with Victor Wembanyama. Raptors forward Scottie Barnes misses another night with a groin strain, while the Sixers sit LeBron James (low back/scatica) and Adem Bona (cervical spine sprain). Oklahoma City hopes to see Thomas Sorber back soon after his September 2025 ACL tear.
Is Damian Lillard the Trail Blazers GOAT?
Damian Lillard sparks back-to-back wins over the Oklahoma City Thunder, hitting clutch three‑pointers in the fourth quarter as the Trail Blazers improve to 8‑3 since his return this season. The article asks whether Lillard’s recent heroics elevate him to the status of the franchise’s greatest player, a debate traditionally dominated by Clyde Drexler and Bill Walton. It compares Lillard’s supporting cast to past eras and invites fans to weigh in on what it would take for him to claim the GOAT title.
NBA exec says Thunder ‘never have to panic’ despite mounting injuries
Despite a rash of injuries—Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace out after surgery and Chet Holmgren sidelined for 8‑10 weeks—the Oklahoma City Thunder add rookie Nique Clifford. The move costs two future second‑round picks and boosts the team’s projected luxury‑tax bill by $11.8 million, but an Eastern Conference exec assures the franchise “never has to panic” thanks to ample draft capital and trade exceptions. Clifford’s $3.3 million salary provides immediate depth while the Thunder continue their strategy of using picks to acquire young talent.
Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drops controversial Drake GOAT take
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander sparks debate by declaring Drake the greatest rapper of all time in a Spotify video, praising the new album Iceman as 2026’s best. He notes Drake’s triple‑album drop— Iceman, Maid of Honour, and Habibti—on May 15 and lauds a personal name‑drop on the record. The comments draw criticism from older teammates, but SGA brushes it off. The piece also recaps Gilgeous‑Alexander’s recent accolades, including a 2025 championship, NBA Finals MVP, back‑to‑back league MVPs, four straight All‑Star selections and All‑NBA First Team honors.
Northwest Notes: Henderson, Cissoko, Thunder, Jazz, Finch
Scoot Henderson, the No. 3 pick of the 2023 draft, struggles to meet expectations after a brief five‑game start replacing an injured Ja Morant, now returning to the bench for Sidy Cissoko. Henderson remains optimistic as he heads into restricted free agency. Cissoko shines, averaging 18 points in back‑to‑back wins over the Oklahoma City Thunder and boosting Portland’s defense, though he’ll hit unrestricted free agency after the season. The Thunder, plagued by injuries, lose their former dominance. Meanwhile, Utah Jazz injuries force a shift from postseason ambitions to developing their young core of Darryn Peterson, Keyonte George and Ace Bailey. Finally, a look at Timberwolves coach Chris Finch’s intense training‑camp preparation.
Blazers just revealed this season's biggest Thunder flaw
The Portland Trail Blazers took advantage of one of the biggest weaknesses of this OKC Thunder team thus far into the season.
Rockets’ Kevin Durant left Yaxel Lendeborg with a parting gift after Warriors game
Kevin Durant helps the Houston Rockets beat the Golden State Warriors 9-3 on the season, scoring 20 points and adding five assists. With Stephen Curry out due to an abdominal issue, rookie Yaxel Lendeborg steps up for the Warriors, posting 25 points and 10 rebounds. After the game, Durant leaves his signed jersey in Lendeborg’s locker as a “parting gift,” highlighting his mentorship of young talent. The Rockets, now 9-3, lean on Alperen Şengün while aiming for a Western Conference push alongside the Spurs and Thunder.
Thunder blockbuster trade would be a surprise
The Oklahoma City Thunder are expected to remain patient on the trade market, with a blockbuster move before the deadline considered unlikely despite their significant draft-pick resources. The post Thunder blockbuster trade would be a surprise appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
SGA Hypes Drake as GOAT Rapper, Thunder Star Ranks Favorite Albums in Spotify Interview
The Toronto ties appear to be strong between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Drake, as the two-time NBA MVP believes OVO stands at the top of the all-time rapper list.
This move has aided the development of Khaman Maluach and the Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns’ early‑season center drama centers on rookie Khaman Maluach, the 2025 lottery pick. After starter Mark Williams misses opening night with a torn labrum, Maluach earns his first start against Portland but the Suns fall quickly. Injuries to veteran Oso Ighodaro force Maluach into a thin rotation, where he battles elite bigs from Golden State, Oklahoma City and Denver. When Ighodaro returns, Maluach shifts to a bench role, delivering solid contributions: 8 points, 6 rebounds and a +13 rating versus Orlando, then 8 points, 10 rebounds and a +11 rating versus Houston, even limiting Alperen Şengün. He caps the stretch with 11 points, five rebounds and a three‑pointer against Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs. The article argues that his defensive hustle and adaptability are key to the Suns’ developing frontcourt.
NBA Draft Lottery odds today put Rockets in control
Oklahoma City, Houston, Memphis and Charlotte would have a field day during the 2027 draft lottery based on the NBA's current standings.
Thunder aren't the only ones who learned from their Victor Wembanyama scars
The OKC Thunder got their "Wemby stopper" in the offseason, but another team did the same... and they might've done it even better.
Charles Barkley calls Spurs the NBA’s team to beat
Charles Barkley believes the San Antonio Spurs have become the NBA's team to beat, overtaking the Oklahoma City Thunder following a series of injuries to the 2025 NBA champions. The post Charles Barkley calls Spurs the NBA’s team to beat appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
Thunder have perfect opportunity to get back on track after latest loss to Blazers
The OKC Thunder will be greeted with a much lighter road ahead following Wednesday's 118-108 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Portland Trail Blazers are the Best Show in Town Again
The Portland Trail Blazers have reignited the Moda Center crowd, snapping a back‑to‑back 118‑108 and 118‑108 sweep of the Oklahoma City Thunder to improve to 8‑3. Coach Micah Nori credits the revived fan atmosphere and a deep roster that includes Damian Lillard, All‑Star Deni Avdija, defensive stalwart Toumani Camara, rookie big man Donovan Clingan, bench spark from Jrue Holiday, and versatile Robert Williams III. While Ja Morant remains injured and Scoot Henderson battles early‑season issues, the team’s collective buy‑in and balanced scoring are delivering "soulful" basketball. The victories showcase Portland’s defensive hustle and the "Lillard Effect" energizing the home crowd.
Charles Barkley pinpoints Spurs as NBA title favorites after Thunder’s injury bug
Former NBA star Charles Barkley says the San Antonio Spurs have become the NBA’s favorite to win the title after a 10‑2 start, highlighted by a 124‑119 victory over the Chicago Bulls. He points to Oklahoma City’s injury nightmare as clearing the Spurs’ path, calling them the “team to beat” on Inside the NBA. Center Victor Wembanyama leads the charge, averaging 30.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 4.4 blocks in 12 games, while the Spurs’ strong defense and offense make them a serious playoff threat after falling short in the 2026 Finals against the New York Knicks.
Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes unwanted NBA history after getting thumped by Blazers again
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander’s Oklahoma City Thunder lose back‑to‑back at Portland, dropping 123‑103 on Tuesday and 118‑108 on Wednesday. Despite a game‑high 31 points, SGA shoots poorly (9‑of‑20, 0‑for‑7 from three) and becomes the first reigning MVP to lose by double digits to the same team on consecutive nights, per OptaSTATS. Damian Lillard and Deni Avdija spark Portland’s fourth‑quarter rally, sealing the sweep. With key injuries to Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace, the Thunder look to rebound Friday versus the LA Clippers.
Deni Avdija, Damian Lillard rally Blazers past Thunder
Deni Avdija scored 28 points and Damian Lillard added 18 as the Portland Trail Blazers erased a fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 118-108 on Wednesday. The post Deni Avdija, Damian Lillard rally Blazers past Thunder appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
Thunder’s Mark Daigneault sounds off on factor that led to second straight loss to Blazers
Coach Mark Daigneault attributes the Thunder’s second straight loss to Portland (118-108) to a lack of firepower and Portland’s late‑game execution. Injuries to Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace and the absence of Ajay Mitchell left OKC shorthanded, and despite a competitive stretch where Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander narrowed the gap to 103-100, the Blazers, led by Deni Avdija and Damian Lillard, closed on seven straight possessions. Poor offensive output from the Thunder’s bench, highlighted by Jared McCain’s 3‑of‑14 shooting, compounded scoring inefficiency with bigs Isaiah Hartenstein and Aday Mara starting. Daigneault stresses the need for better offense to sustain wins while key players recover.
Damian Lillard and Blazers send shockwaves with 2 straight wins vs. Thunder
Damian Lillard sparked back-to-back victories as the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 123-103 and 118-108 on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 12, 2026. Lillard scored 25 points in the first game and added 18 points, nine in the fourth quarter, in the win that featured a clutch triple and MVP chants. Deni Avdija led Portland with 28 points, while Jrue Holiday and Sidy Cissoko each contributed 19. The Thunder, missing Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace, relied on Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander’s 31 points but went 0‑for‑7 from three. The wins lift Portland to 8‑3 and signal a rising Western Conference threat.
Three-For-All Propels Blazers to Victory Over Thunder Again
The Portland Trail Blazers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 118-108 on Nov. 10, 2026, marking their second straight win against the West rival despite missing key guards Ja Morant and Shaedon Sharpe. Deni Avdija led Portland with 28 points, 6 assists and 4 steals, while Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander scored 31 for the Thunder. The Blazers struggled early with three‑point shooting, going 19‑49 from beyond the arc, but diversified with drives and a gritty fourth quarter to secure the win. Turnovers (18) and offensive rebounds allowed (14) plagued Portland, yet their physical, bump‑and‑grind defense stifled Oklahoma City’s interior game. The victory highlights the adaptable, veteran character of the 2026‑27 Blazers.
Blazers Cobble Together Second Straight Win Against Thunder
The Portland Trail Blazers clinched a second straight win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, beating them 118-108 on November 10, 2026. Portland erupted for 49 three‑pointers, scoring 57 points from beyond the arc, while Deni Avdija led the Blazers with 28 points. Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander paced the Thunder with 31. Damian Lillard’s late‑game heroics helped seal the victory, improving Portland’s record to 8‑3. The win sets up a road clash with the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.
Lakers Notes: Doncic, Grimes, Mamukelashvili, Carr
Luka Doncic is igniting the Lakers early, averaging 39.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.9 assists as the team sits 10‑2 and atop the Western Conference. Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus notes that to clinch his first MVP, Doncic must keep the Lakers ahead of rivals like the Spurs and Thunder, stay defensively intense, and stay healthy enough to hit the 65‑game threshold. Meanwhile, guard Quentin Grimes misses Wednesday’s game with a right‑finger sprain, and summer addition Sandro Mamukelashvili posts a career‑high 23 points and eight rebounds off the bench. Rookie wing Cameron Carr celebrates his first NBA points, earning a nod from Doncich and coach JJ Redick as he works on defense.
Discuss the Trail Blazers vs. Thunder Rematch Here!
The Portland Trail Blazers (7-3) host the Oklahoma City Thunder (8-3) for a Western Conference rematch on Nov. 11 at 7 PM PT in the Moda Center. Portland leads the series after a 123‑103 win in Game 1, but Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander will look to even the split. Key injuries: Vit Krejci, Ja Morant and Shaedon Sharpe are out for Portland; the Thunder miss Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, Thomas Sorber, Nikola Topic and Jaylin Williams. Watch via local TV, BlazerVision (OR/WA) or League Pass, and join the live discussion thread.
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