Vitals: Thunder vs Trailblazers

What you need to know about the matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Portland Trailblazers.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:20 am

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Nov 1, 2009 10:23 AM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

Portland Trailblazers (1-2) at Oklahoma City Thunder (2-0)
6:00 p.m. CST
Ford Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Anticipated Starting Lineups

	Trailblazers (Away)	Thunder (Home)
PG	Steve Blake	Russell Westbrook
SG	Brandon Roy	Thabo Sefolosha
SF	Martell Webster	Kevin Durant
PF	LaMarcus Aldridge	Jeff Green
C	Greg Oden	Nenad Kristic

Injuries
Thunder: None reported

Trailblazers: None reported

Where to find it?
On TV: Fox Sports Oklahoma

On Radio: Thunder Radio Network

What you need to know?
The Trailblazers opened up their season with a win over the Houston Rockets, but since have lost two straight, once at home against the Denver Nuggets and once on the road in a rematch against the Rockets. Portland comes into the Ford Center needing better performances from their role players if they want to get of their losing streak.

The Thunder won its first two games convincingly, one at home against the Sacramento Kings, but more impressively on the road against the reloaded Detroit Pistons. Oklahoma City looked impressive in both contests this year, and must continue to play with confidence if they want to keep winning.

Who you need to watch?
Everyone knows Brandon Roy will score. He’s averaging more than 30 points per game so far this year along with his almost five assists per game. But more importantly for the Trailblazers is young center Greg Oden. The first pick from two years ago has yet to live up to his billing, but could dominate the low post against an Oklahoma City team without a legitimate center.

Kevin Durant is the man for the Thunder. He’s averaging 25 points per game, three points higher than his career average, and will continue to be a matchup nightmare for opponents. He’s too big for quick players but too quick for big players, but the Thunder can only succeed when his supporting cast get in the game. Jeff Green is the man that Oklahoma City needs to play well, especially defensively. So far this season he is averaging 1.5 blocks and steals per game.