Now Trailing 3-1 in Series to Blazers, Thunder’s Odds of Advancing Set at +450

• The Oklahoma City Thunder trail their first-round series 3-1 to the Portland Trail Blazers
• The Thunder have scored less than 100 points in three of the four games
• Outside of his 33-point Game 3 effort, Russell Westbrook is averaging just 17.3 points per game in this series

The Oklahoma City opened as a favorite in their first-round series with the Portland Trail Blazers, but they now trail 3-1 as we head back to Portland for Game 5. The NBA playoff series odds have swung heavily in favor of Portland, but can the Thunder get off the mat? Let’s take a look at the series and the betting odds.

Thunder vs Trail Blazers Playoff Series Odds

*Odds taken 04/22/19

Trail Blazers Motivated to Get Out of First-Round

The Trail Blazers have won three of the first four games in this series and seem very focused. They were swept out of the playoffs last year and that really stung. The players – including CJ McCollum after the Game 4 win – have spoken about just how determined they are to get out of the first round.

Blazers’ CJ McCollum: “We got swept last year. It was on TV every day. They talked about me getting traded, how we can’t win together. I was able to fly to Europe to see my brother play because the season ended so early. I told him this year, I ain’t going to be able to make it.” pic.twitter.com/5Vo0a0TgVd

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) April 22, 2019

Thunder’s Offense Has Disappeared

The biggest surprise in this series has been the disappearance of the Thunder’s offense. Oklahoma City finished the regular season seventh in points per game at 114.5. They are way off those numbers in this playoff series as they’ve failed to hit the century mark in three of the games and are averaging just 102.8.

It’s not as if the Trail Blazers are a great defensive team either. They were merely 14th in opponent points per game this season. The issue has been the two stars for the Thunder, who just aren’t delivering.

After Game 4 loss to Blazers, Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (14 points, 5-21 shooting, minus-17) alters his “next question” strategy in stand-off with OKC reporter: “Uh, that’s a good question. Um. Not sure.” pic.twitter.com/c0PSt3y5RP

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) April 22, 2019

Paul George has done his best to put the team on his back as he’s scoring 26.8 points per outing along with 8.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 steals. The challenge is that he has a shoulder injury that’s impacting his shooting. He’s making just 37% of his shots from the field after being over 43% in the regular season.

Paul George is making just 37% of his shots from the field after being over 43% in the regular season.

As for Russell Westbrook, his efforts have also been muted. He did score 33 in the Game 3 win but outside of that is averaging a pedestrian 17.3 points per game. He’s also shooting 36.3% from the field and that includes his effort in Game 3 where he shot 50%.

Not Much From Thunder’s Supporting Cast

With George’s shooting off, Westbrook is being left to do it all and it’s just not happening. He needs help elsewhere but it’s nowhere to be found. Inside, Steven Adams is getting abused by Enes Kanter. He’s scored just 16 points in total in the last two games.

Russell Westbrook when the second round starts pic.twitter.com/LnlGFw9Jnv

— Playoff LebronJamesHarden™ (@LBJamesHarden) April 22, 2019

Elsewhere, Dennis Schroder is giving the team 13.2 points per game but on just 40% from the field and 23.5% from three. Jerami Grant is the only other player averaging double figures in this series (10.5) but also with an inefficient 40.6% from the field.

Series is Over

The Thunder just don’t look like they’re up for this. For whatever reason, their spirit looks broken – possibly because of Westbrook, who does really look like he’s elevated his game for the playoffs.

The dynamic duo of CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard combined for 51 points and the Blazers took Game 4 to put the Thunder on the brink of elimination #NBAPlayoffs

?: @NBATV pic.twitter.com/gnBhRoHETV

— USA TODAY NBA (@usatodaynba) April 22, 2019

Portland knows they aren’t going to win a championship this year but their goal all season long has been to get out of the first round. Now that it’s within their grasp, they won’t blow it. Bet them to win the series. This Thunder team won’t win three in a row.

Pick: Portland Trail Blazers (-700)