Despite winning their last two matchups against the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder are in poor form, especially for their standards.
Although they lead the league with a 28-5 record, four of those losses have come within their last eight games.
The San Antonio Spurs have been responsible for three of their defeats in addition to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
On New Year's Eve Wednesday night, the Thunder will be facing the only other team to defeat them this year, that being the Portland Trail Blazers.
Portland handed OKC their first loss of the season back in November, but the Thunder have gotten their revenge since, defeating the Blazers in the team's last two matchups.
Ahead of the game, Oklahoma City has a few injury concerns. Once again, Isaiah Hartenstein has been ruled out. Jaylin Williams will also miss the contest, due to a heel injury. Ousmane Dieng will not play either, as he's sidelined with a calf injury.
That said, Portland is dealing with plenty of injuries themselves. Jerami Grant, Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson and Matisse Thybulle are all likely to be sidelined. Kris Murray is questionable due to a quad injury.
Blake Wesley also remains out for the Blazers, having underwent foot surgery in early November.
After Wednesday's game against Portland, the Thunder will head west for a brief two-game road trip with games against the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns. Their next home game will be Monday versus Charlotte.
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