The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Saturday.

The Trail Blazers (18-25) just suffered a road loss against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday but they lost more than just the game. In fact, C.J. McCollum left that loss with what appeared to be an ankle sprain and that would make it nearly impossible for him to suit up here. Damian Lillard did all he could in that game and they'll have to continue to ride him as long as McCollum remains out. What killed them in that loss on Friday was their defense and that's been an issue with this club all season long. sitting bottom-10 in defensive efficiency and points allowed. What's also bizarre is that this club ranks dead-last in assists which is truly strange for a team that's run through its two guards. If those trends continue, this team may have a hard time reaching the postseason despite finishing third in the west each of the last two seasons.

The Thunder (23-19) come into this matchup losing three of their last four games. That poor run ended a stretch in which they won 11 of their previous 13 games. That run turned them from a lottery team into a playoff contender though and one has to believe they'll be in the mix for the remainder of the season. What's disappointing is that Steven Adams missed the last game because of a knee bruise. He's been a catalyst on both ends of the floor in that hot run and a loss on Friday without him shows just how valuable he is to this club. That means they need Nerlens Noel to step up in his absence, with the former Philly player getting a rare start in that loss.

These teams have already played three times this season, with Portland winning two of three. Prior to that, Oklahoma City swept their four-game season series over the Blazers last season.