It was no starters, no problem for the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein and Cason Wallace were all ruled out. A hectic post-All-Star break schedule forced OKC's regulars to take the game off as a critical back-to-back against the Denver Nuggets is up next.

Mar 7, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) shoots from under the basket as Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) defends during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Granted, the Blazers were playing the final stop of a grueling seven-game trip. But given the difficulty of the Blazers' remaining schedule, they are in no position to waste opportunities to pick up victories against dominant teams that leave a combined 89.8 points per game on the bench.