Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at 10:30 PM

Moda Center in Portland

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Wednesday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder will begin the 2014 – 2015 campaign at the Moda Center as they take on the Portland Trailblazers.

The Oklahoma City Thunder had a another productive season in 2013-2014 as they went 59 -23 and made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals before falling to the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs.  Kevin Durant led the league in scoring en route to the NBA MVP trophy.  But this season won’t start that great for the Thunder.  Durant fractured his right foot early in October and that will keep him out to start the season.  And with injuries to Reggie Jackson, Jeremy Lamb, Grant Jarrett and Kendrick Perkins, the Thunder could have a tough time early on.  Especially against a Portland team that looks ready to take the next step towards greatness.

The Portland Trailblazers finished last season with a 54 -28 record and they made it to the Western Conference Semifinals before getting ousted by the San Antonio Spurs.  Portland turned a lot of heads last season, and they will look to do the same this season.  The Trailblazers finished the preseason with a 99 – 89 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.  Damon Lillard led Portland with 21 points and the Blazers played some solid defense along the way, eventually shutting down a late Clippers rally.  Even though the Thunder will be short handed, they will still provide an early test for the Blazers. But Portland is a team on the rise and they will get plenty of opportunities to impress this season.              

Injuries to Watch

Oklahoma City Thunder

10/28/14 G Jeremy Lamb Back expected to miss Wednesday vs. Portland
10/28/14 G Reggie Jackson Foot expected to miss Wednesday vs. Portland
10/27/14 G Anthony Morrow Knee out indefinitely
10/27/14 F Grant Jerrett Ankle out indefinitely
10/24/14 C Kendrick Perkins Quad probable Wednesday vs. Portland
10/24/14 F Mitch McGary Foot out indefinitely
10/12/14 F Kevin Durant Foot out indefinitely

Portland Trail Blazers

10/28/14 F LaMarcus Aldridge Groin probable Wednesday vs. Oklahoma City
10/24/14 G Steve Blake Illness "?" Wednesday vs. Oklahoma City

Guy's Pick: Take Portland

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