The Gambler: Oklahoma City Thunder @ Portand Trailblazers

Opponent: Oklahoma City Thunder
Line: -1.5

Gambler's Record: 19-18-1

Lisa: Dad! You're sinking!
Homer: Huh?
Marge: Get a rope, Bart!
Homer: Naw, that's OK. I'm pretty sure I can struggle my way out.
First I'll just reach in and pull my legs out, now I'll pull my
arms out with my face.
-Bart Gets an Elephant - The Simpsons

With the ever growing list of player injuries that have occcurred so far,this season has felt like one slow, steady slide down the standings. Much like Homer in the tar pit, Portland has struggled mightily, using everything at their disposal to fight off the impending failure and finding only marginal success.

As for tonight's game, I like the Blazers to get the "W", by employing the "Kobe" defense. Durant is going to get his numbers, but he's going to have to take a lot of shots to get there. If Portland loses tonight, it is going to be at the hands of Russell Westbrook, but I think Andre has too much pride to let that happen.

Make no mistake, Oklahoma City is a good team on the rise, but Portland has enough savvy and a strong enough home crowd to get the job done at home. The Blazers aren't dead yet, but they're certainly not safe. Will a heroic elephant swoop in to save them with his mighty trunk? Was that a Greg Oden reference? You be the judge....

Take the Blazers.