NBA Playoffs 2019: Keys to Portland Trail Blazers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder matchup

1. Who controls the interior?

While these two teams rely heavily on the work of perimeter players, this series could be won inside. Both the Blazers and Thunder allow over 37 percent of opponent’ shots at the rim and hold opponents to under 62 percent shooting at the rim. Both rank in the top three in offensive rebounding. It’s in these areas that Portland could miss Nurkić, one of the most effective offensive rebounders and rim protectors in the league, most of all. Without him, the Blazers have few options to contend with Oklahoma City’s attacks on the rim and Steven Adams’ punishing strength. Zach Collins is capable but untested; Enes Kanter, though strong enough to hang with Adams, stands little chance against OKC’s athleticism.

The Thunder should press that advantage as often as possible. Expect Westbrook to challenge every rim protector he sees and Adams to manhandle every stringy big man that dares jostle with him. Oklahoma City’s perimeter defenders can funnel drives toward Adams and Nerlens Noel – at least until Stotts tries to pull the Thunder bigs out of the paint with Collins or Leonard. Either way, Portland’s success in one facet of the game will likely come at the expense of another – a product of playing in a series that will hinge on what sacrifices each team feels it can afford to make.