The Phoenix Suns (24-38) play the fifth game in their six-game homestand Friday night when they play the Portland Trail Blazers (28-35) for the third time this season. Tip-off at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix is set for 9 p.m. ET.
We analyze the Blazers-Suns odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
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Blazers at Suns: Key injuries
Blazers
- F Zach Collins (shoulder) out
- F Rodney Hood (Achilles) out
- C Jusuf Nurkic (leg) out
Suns
- C Deandre Ayton (ankle) doubtful
- F Cam Johnson (illness) out
- F Frank Kaminsky (knee) out
- F Kelly Oubre (knee) out
Blazers at Suns: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Friday at 12:45 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Blazers 115, Suns 109
Moneyline (ML)
Portland enters this game as the favorite at -162. The Blazers have won two straight games and remain in the thick of the fight for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Suns, meanwhile, have lost all four games in their current homestand and continue to be hit by injuries to key players. After losing Oubre — likely the rest of the season — Ayton injured his ankle. Phoenix has struggled all season at home, going 11-22 so far. Portland has the same record on the road.
But a deeper look shows the Suns have been able to build early; they just let them slip away in the second half. Plus, Portland is only 4-4 this season when favored on the road. Nonetheless, don’t expect the Suns to pull out of their funk now. Take the BLAZERS -162.
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Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
Portland is favored at -3.5 points (-110). While the Blazers have covered the spread in three of their last four games they failed to cover the previous five. They are only 14-19 ATS on the road, but Phoenix is only 11-21-1 ATS at home. Both teams fail to cover more often than they do cover in their current status — home underdog / road favorite. But for Phoenix — already lacking offensive weapons — losing its defensive cog in the middle in Ayton is tough. Expect the Blazers to not only win, but take PORTLAND -3.5 (-110).
Over/Under (O/U)
The total is set very high at 231.5 points. Their last two matchups this season have totaled 221 and 238 points — both failing to hit the total. With the Suns 17-15 O/U at home and the Blazers 17-16 O/U on the road, I would expect the same. Take UNDER 231.5 (-115).
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