The middle of the Western Conference playoff race couldn't be much tighter, as three teams (Rockets, Thunder and Trail Blazers) share identical 39-25 records with 18 games to go. One of those teams will gain an advantage Thursday night when the Thunder and Trail Blazers face off in a showdown that could determine home-court advantage for the first round of the playoffs.
The Blazers hope to bounce back after losing to the Grizzlies on Tuesday night. The backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum has been on a tear this season, combining for 46.0 points per game with Lillard scoring over 20 in each of Portland's last five games. Midseason acquisitions Enes Kanter and Rodney Hood have adapted well to their new team with Hood going off for 27 points on Sunday versus the Hornets and Kanter averaging 11.3 points in six games with Portland.
MORE: Watch Thunder vs. Blazers live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)
The last time the Thunder played the Blazers, it was a historic night for Russell Westbrook. He passed Wilt Chamberlain for most consecutive games with a triple-double (10). Paul George had a night to remember as well with a 47-point triple-double of his own. At the time, Oklahoma City was one of the hottest teams in the league and winners of 11 of 12, but have since entered a rough spell. The Thunder have just a pair of wins in their last eight games.
Thursday's matchup is the fourth and final time the two teams meet in the regular season, with the Thunder holding a 3-0 advantage in the series.
What time is Thunder vs. Trail Blazers?
The Thunder play the Blazers on Thursday, March 7, with tipoff set for 10:30 p.m. ET.
Thunder vs. Trail Blazers TV channel, live stream
TNT has the national telecast of the game. It can also be streamed live online with fuboTV, which offers a free trial.
Where is Thunder vs. Trail Blazers being played?
The Thunder travel to the Moda Center in Portland, Ore. OKC has lost four straight on the road. This is the first home game for Portland since before the All-Star break after completing a 5-2 East Coast road trip.