Oklahoma City at Portland

The season opener couldn't come at a worse time for the Oklahoma City Thunder. They will not only be without arguably the league's best or second best player in kevin Durant, they will also be without Anthony Morrow and Mitch McGary. They also lost Reggie Jackson and Jeremy Lamb who were injured in practice earlier this week. That means the Thunder will take eight healthy roster players to Portland for their opener. This is the year for Portland if they are going to get over the top. LaMarcus Aldridge is in the final year of a five-year contract, and the roster has plenty of talent. The Thunder were a far less team without Westbrook last season, and without Durant and several others, they are going to be marginalized against a very good team. Lay the points and play on Portland.