The New Year kicks off with more than just fireworks for Filipino basketball enthusiasts. As we transition into 2026, the spotlight turns to an exciting matchup on New Year’s Day at 9 a.m. PHT, featuring the already formidable Oklahoma City Thunder and the rapidly improving Portland Trail Blazers.
Blazers’ Big Men vs. Thunder
One challenge that has consistently troubled Oklahoma City is the presence of extended length defensively. This vulnerability became evident in their three losses to the San Antonio Spurs, where taller guards and wings caused difficulties by forcing drives into a congested paint that featured Victor Wembanyama. Even secondary rim protectors like Luke Kornet made finishing near the basket a challenge. When matched against teams capable of shrinking the floor and contesting without fouls, the Thunder’s aggressive driving game has shown weakness.
This context is crucial as Portland is designed to pose a similar threat. Although the Trail Blazers may lack the star power of San Antonio, they share defensive qualities that can disrupt Oklahoma City’s flow: rim protection, solid point-of-attack defense, and the ability to force tougher shots.
Portland effectively fits the bill for rim deterrence against a Thunder team that relies heavily on drives. Rookie center Donovan Clingan secures the paint, while Robert Williams III adds verticality off the bench, together averaging 3.5 blocks per game. On the perimeter, the Blazers can utilize different defenders against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, including 2024-25 All-Defensive Second Team honoree Toumani Camara and, when available, six-time All-Defensive Team member Jrue Holiday.
Although Portland ranks 20th in defensive rating, their performances against Oklahoma City tell a different tale. The Thunder struggled to find open shots in their earlier encounters, hitting just 44% and 42%, indicating that Portland’s length and physical defense were effective in keeping Oklahoma City from their preferred game style. With both teams having split their initial matchups this season, this game serves as another significant test for the Thunder’s ability to score efficiently against a tall and physical opponent like the Blazers.
Young Dynamic Duos Face Off
While Oklahoma City boasts one of the league’s top present-and-future duos in Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams, Portland is not far behind in nurturing its own promising pairing. Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe may still be in development, but they symbolize the Blazers’ best shot at future success, built on versatility and consistent improvement.
Gilgeous-Alexander continues to perform at an MVP level with averages of 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, along with exceptional shooting stats of 55.9% from the field, 41.5% from three, and 88.3% from the free-throw line. His ability to score across all levels fuels Oklahoma City’s offense. Williams is also regaining form after missing time due to injury, contributing 17.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists as the Thunder’s essential playmaker.
For Portland, the focus has been on internal progress. Avdija has transformed from a 16.9-point scorer to an All-Star-level player averaging 25.6 points, accompanied by 6.9 assists as he takes on more playmaking duties. Sharpe continues to develop beyond explosive plays, averaging 22.1 points while demonstrating improved shot selection.
When these four players take the court together, the matchup transcends a mere star exhibition: it becomes a valuable measurement of skill. Oklahoma City’s experienced duo against Portland’s burgeoning talent duo marks this game as a test of current strengths and a preview of the league’s future star collaborations.
