NBA Preview: Blazers And Thunder Clash in Portland

Portland return home from a successful road trip to take on the Western Conference’s rising stars, the OKC Thunder.

Depth is critical to Blazers’ success
The Portland Trail Blazers are not lacking in star power but it’s the depth of their bench that’s got them off to a 4-1 start this season. Wesley Matthews’ 18 point effort against the Bucks was the perfect finish to a road trip where depth helped Portland win three out of four. Portland return home to face an Oklahoma City team that is loaded with talent and expectation.

Kevin Durant has been labelled the anti-LeBron for his decision to commit his future to the Thunder but when it comes to talent he may well be the next LBJ. Durant and team-mate Russell Westbrook were key players for the USA team that won the FIBA World Championships in September. After hanging tough with the Lakers in the opening round of the playoffs last year, much is expected of OKC’s star duo.

The manner of Wednesday’s defeat to the Clippers however showed the Thunder are not quite the finished article just yet. Durant and company will find their feet but I don’t like them to pick up a win tonight. Look for Brandon Roy and the Blazers to continue their good start to the season. Bet on the Portland Trailblazers as -5.5 favorites [http://www.sportsinteraction.com/sportsbook/index.cfm?section=events&eventTypeID=3&gameID=300798&moreBets=true] with Sports Interaction.

These Bulls mean business
After having their last game postponed because of trouble with the ceiling in Madison Square Garden, the Knicks hit the road for a date with the Bulls. The addition of Amar’e Stoudemire has certainly aided New York when it comes to scoring but winning is a skill they still need to refine. Tough losses against the Celtics and Blazers preceded this trip to the Windy City and it’s hard to see beyond a third straight defeat for the Knicks.

Derrick Rose may not have turned up for his cameo on The Good Wife [http://tpsnation.com/2010/11/04/derrick-rose-stood-up-the-good-wife-at-the-cameo-altar/] but he played a starring role against the Pistons on Saturday. Luol Deng has also raised his game this season, with a career-high 40 points against the Blazers. This is a Chicago team that is hitting its stride early, despite the absence of the injured Carlos Boozer. When he returns, the Bulls will be serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. Without him, they remain a fearsome threat on offense. Bet on the Chicago Bulls to win as -7.0 favorites [http://www.sportsinteraction.com/sportsbook/index.cfm?section=events&eventTypeID=3&gameID=300797&moreBets=true] with Sports Interaction.