Batum says he will start against Thunder

Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum said following a Tuesday morning shootaround he will be in the starting lineup for tonight’s game against Oklahoma City at the Rose Garden.

Batum is averaging 9.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting 58.8 percent (30 of 51) from the field and 47.4 percent (9 of 19) behind the 3-point line.

He has been one of the Blazers’ top players since being activated after missing the first 45 games of the season while recovering from shoulder surgery.

Batum said he will be matched up against Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook.

The Blazers are expected to start Andre Miller, Martell Webster, Batum, LaMarcus Aldridge and Juwan Howard.