NBA - 2025-11-30

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Oklahoma City Thunder (19-1) @ Portland Trail Blazers (8-11)

The defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder bring their historic 19-1 record into Portland looking for revenge. Here's the crazy part - Portland is responsible for OKC's only loss of the season. The Thunder's +16.5 point differential through their first 20 games is the best in NBA history, surpassing the 1971-72 Lakers. They've won 11 straight games since that lone defeat and are 4-0 in NBA Cup West Group A play.

SGA's MVP Repeat Campaign

Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 32.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds on ridiculous 54/41/90 shooting splits. He's scored 30+ in five straight games recently and dropped 55 on Indiana (career-high, 23 free throws). SGA leads the NBA in clutch points at 9.4 per game. He's had 91 consecutive games with 20+ points - the third-longest streak in league history behind only Wilt Chamberlain's two streaks. Chet Holmgren has been a force too with 23 PPG against Phoenix in the NBA Cup.

Portland's Injury Nightmare

The Trail Blazers are absolutely decimated. Damian Lillard is out for the entire 2025-26 season with a torn left Achilles. Scoot Henderson hasn't played all season due to a left hamstring tear (still 2-4 more weeks minimum). Shaedon Sharpe is questionable with a calf injury, Matisse Thybulle is out with a left thumb ligament tear, and Jrue Holiday is sidelined at least another week with a right calf strain. Deni Avdija is basically the only healthy All-Star caliber player. Portland won 8 of their last 11 to start the season but have crashed back down.

The 12.5-point spread is massive, but OKC has won 17 of the last 18 against Portland and will be motivated after their lone blemish. Thunder should roll in what amounts to a revenge game.

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Boston Celtics (10-8) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (12-8)

Two Eastern Conference heavyweights collide with major implications. Boston is learning to survive without Jayson Tatum, who is out for most of the season after suffering an Achilles rupture in the 2025 playoffs. He's 28 weeks into rehab with hopes for a March or April return. Jaylen Brown has stepped up as the primary scorer, averaging 27.4 points, and Payton Pritchard dropped 30 on the Clippers recently. The Celtics have won 7 of their last 10 and are finding their rhythm.

Donovan Mitchell's Best Basketball

Donovan Mitchell is averaging 30.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 50.9% from the field. He's said publicly "this is the best basketball I've ever played" - and the numbers back it up. He dropped 42 on Atlanta, 37 on the Clippers, and has scored 30+ in 6 of his last 8 games. Evan Mobley, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, is averaging career-highs across the board with 18.9 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 3.9 APG, and 1.65 BPG. Cleveland set an NBA record with 98 consecutive games making 10+ three-pointers earlier this month.

Boston won the first meeting 125-105, so Cleveland will be hungry. Home court matters here. Cavs slight favorites but this one could go either way - expect a back-and-forth battle.

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Toronto Raptors (14-5) @ New York Knicks (11-6)

Toronto is absolutely rolling right now with a 9-game winning streak and sitting second in the Eastern Conference at 14-5. The February trade for Brandon Ingram has completely transformed this franchise. Ingram is averaging 21.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists and recently dropped 37 (season-high) on Cleveland and hit a game-winner against Indiana. He's scored 22+ in 5 of his last 6 games. Scottie Barnes' offensive load has been reduced, allowing him to focus on playmaking. The bad news - RJ Barrett is out with a right knee sprain (he was averaging 19.4 PPG).

KAT Dominating at MSG

Karl-Anthony Towns is putting up 22.6 points and 12.4 rebounds with 15 double-doubles (second in the NBA behind only Jokic). He recently became just the sixth player in NBA history to reach 15,000 points, 7,000 rebounds, and 2,000 assists before turning 30. KAT dropped 37/12 on the Nets and 39/11 on Miami (31 in the first half alone). Jalen Brunson adds 28.6 PPG and 6.3 APG. New York is 9-1 at home and on a 3-game winning streak.

This is a fascinating clash of hot teams. Toronto's winning streak vs New York's home dominance. Expect a competitive, high-scoring affair. The Knicks are slight favorites but Toronto has been playing the best ball in the East.

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Houston Rockets (12-4) @ Utah Jazz (6-12)

Houston is having their best start since 1993-94 and have won 6 of their last 7 games, including a 4-game road winning streak. Kevin Durant is listed as OUT for personal reasons and has missed recent games against the Suns and Warriors. When healthy, KD has been averaging 24.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. His absence is significant, but this Houston team is deep.

Markkanen Carrying Utah

Lauri Markkanen is having a career year with 29.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists - that scoring average ranks 7th in the entire NBA. He dropped 47 on the Bulls in double overtime, 40 on the Hawks, and 35 on the Pacers. He's drained multiple threes in 7 straight games and is averaging 30.4 PPG during that stretch. But it's not enough - Utah has lost 4 of their last 5 games and sits at 6-12.

The 12.5-point spread is large even without Durant. Houston has the depth to cover, but Markkanen could keep it interesting with a big scoring night.

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Atlanta Hawks (12-8) @ Philadelphia 76ers (10-8)

Atlanta has thrived without Trae Young, who's been out since October 29 with a sprained right MCL. The Hawks are 11-5 without him and won't see him back for at least 2 more weeks (potential December 18 return). Jalen Johnson has emerged as a legitimate star, averaging 21.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 7.3 assists on 54.4% shooting. He just posted a 29/12/12 triple-double against Cleveland and scored 42 in another recent game.

Sixers Missing Embiid (Again)

Joel Embiid is OUT with right knee issues and has missed 10 straight games. He's only played 6 games all season, averaging 19.7/5.5/3.3 on a minutes restriction. Tyrese Maxey has been incredible carrying the load with 31.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 3.8 threes per game (3rd in NBA in three-pointers made). Philadelphia is on a 3-game home losing streak and is just 5-5 in their last 10. Atlanta won all 3 matchups between these teams last season.

The Sixers are slight home favorites, but Atlanta's 3-0 trend and Philly's injury woes make the Hawks appealing. Expect a close game.

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San Antonio Spurs (12-5) @ Minnesota Timberwolves (10-8)

San Antonio is having their best start in a decade at 12-5 but face a significant challenge - Victor Wembanyama is OUT indefinitely with a left calf strain suffered November 14 against the Warriors. Before the injury, Wemby was averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and an NBA-leading 3.58 blocks per game. He's expected to miss 2-3 weeks minimum and won't return until after November 30. The Spurs beat Portland and Denver without him (Devin Vassell dropped 35 against the Nuggets).

Anthony Edwards Heating Up

Anthony Edwards is averaging 28.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists and has been scorching lately - 39 against Boston, 43 against Sacramento (OT), 41 against Phoenix, 35 against Utah. He went through a brutal shooting slump mid-November (3-for-30 from three over 4 games) but has bounced back. Minnesota just beat the Celtics 119-115 for their first win in 4 games.

Without Wembanyama, Minnesota should be able to take care of business at home. The 5.5 spread is appropriate - look for Edwards to have a big night.

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Memphis Grizzlies (8-12) @ Sacramento Kings (5-15)

Sacramento is in complete freefall at 5-15 with an 8-game losing streak. Domantas Sabonis is OUT with a partial meniscus tear in his left knee - a massive blow. The Kings are averaging 111.6 PPG but allowing 123.3 PPG, a brutal -11.3 differential. Zach LaVine has been solid with 20.8 PPG, DeMar DeRozan adds 18.2, and Russell Westbrook contributes 14.1/7.2/6.8. Keegan Murray just returned from a preseason thumb injury.

Grizzlies Finding Rhythm

Memphis just destroyed Sacramento 137-96 on November 20 and is looking for the season sweep. They snapped a 5-game losing streak with that blowout and are seeking their 4th straight road win. Santi Aldama had 29 points against the Kings, Jock Landale added 21, and Vince Williams posted a career-high 15 assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. (18.6 PPG) and Zach Edey (16 PPG) anchor the frontcourt.

Memphis is the clear favorite here against a reeling Kings team missing their best player. Grizzlies should complete the sweep.

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New Orleans Pelicans (2-16) @ Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are rolling with a 5-game winning streak and Luka Doncic continues to be absolutely incredible in purple and gold. He's averaging 35.1 points (career-high pace), 9.4 assists, and 8.5 rebounds. In his most recent outing against the Clippers, Luka had 43 points, 9 rebounds, 13 assists, and 7 three-pointers. He's scored 30+ in four straight games and six of his last nine, including five 40+ point games this season. The Lakers are 3-0 in NBA Cup play and 5-0 ATS on the road.

Pelicans in Shambles

New Orleans is a disaster at 2-16 and just fired head coach Willie Green on November 15. James Borrego has taken over as interim and got his first win (143-130 vs Bulls) to end a 9-game losing streak. Zion Williamson is averaging 21.8 points but has been battling hamstring issues - he missed November 4-17 with a left hamstring strain and is managing minutes. Trey Murphy III has been a bright spot at 19.0 PPG and 3.0 threes per game.

The 10.5-point spread is steep, but the Lakers are on a mission and the Pelicans are historically bad. LA should roll at home with LeBron James, Luka, and Austin Reaves (29.14 PPG in last 7 games) leading the charge.