Tag: C.J. McCollum

Draymond Green chimes in on Twitter for the Blazers vs. Grizzlies postseason play in-game

Throughout the Trail Blazers matchup with the Grizzlies, Draymond Green was chiming in with some of his thoughts on the postseason play-in game on Twitter.

On Saturday, the Portland Trail Blazers tipped off against the Memphis Grizzlies in the crown jewel of the NBA’s seeding round — the postseason play-in game.

If the Blazers won, they would take over the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoff picture. Memphis would need to beat Portland twice to punch their postseason ticket.

Throughout the playoff play-in, one member of the Golden State Warriors chimed in with analysis on social media. After serving as a guest analyst on the NBA on TNT last week, Draymond Green brought his takes to Twitter for the play-in game.

Along with shoutouts to CJ McCollum, Gary Trent Jr. and Ja Morant, the former Defensive Player of the Year shared his thoughts on some of the coverages on the defensive side of the floor.

Via @Money23Green on Twitter:

 

Following timely buckets by McCollum and Carmelo Anthony, the Blazers were able to seal their spot in the postseason with a 126-122 victory against the Grizzlies. McCollum and Damian Lillard led the Blazers in scoring, combining for 60 points.

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Behind Portland’s backcourt duo, Jusuf Nurkić tallied a monster double-double on 22 points with 21 rebounds. Anthony was the fourth member of the Blazers to record over 20 points.

Portland will now meet the top-seeded Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

When a player with the basketball resume of Green, it’s a smart move to pay attention when he shares his thoughts on the game. With Golden State out of the postseason picture for the first time since 2012, the Warriors forward will have plenty of time to comment on the Orlando Bubble playoff action.

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C.J. McCollum had a NSFW message for Ja Morant: ‘He can’t guard me!’

After draining a clutch shot late, C.J. McCollum had a message for Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant.

[jwplayer 1wscRAWR]

C.J. McCollum scored 29 points on Saturday to help lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 126-122 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference play-in game and a spot in the NBA Playoffs.

McCollum scored 14 points alone in the fourth quarter and came up with several clutch shots late to seal the victory. McCollum took advantage of Grizzlies guard Ja Morant and gave him eight points in the final three minutes of the game.

With Morant on him, and the Trail Blazers up by four points with over a minute left, McCollum pulled up from 21 feet out to drill the shot. McCollum then yelled a very NSFW message at Morant, nearly reminiscent of when Damian Lillard did the same to the Dallas Mavericks.

Warning: Tweet may contain explicit language

McCollum said afterward that the Trail Blazers wanted to take advantage of the opportunity and finish off the Grizzlies. Had the Trail Blazers lost, the two teams would have played again on Sunday. McCollum didn’t want it to come to that.

“I was thinking I didn’t want to play again tomorrow,” McCollum said in a post-game interview with Lisa Salters of ESPN. “We had to get this done tonight and make sure we came out and finished them off. We’re thankful that we were put in a position to be able to make the playoffs and we didn’t want to squander an opportunity.”

While the Trail Blazers took advantage of Morant on defense, the presumptive Rookie of the Year was magnificent in the second half, scoring 24 of his career-high 35 total points in the period. The performance by Morant kept the Grizzlies alive late but his effort was not enough.

McCollum and Morant shared a moment after the game as the two players showed each other respect. While McCollum got the best of him on Saturday, Morant figures to be around for a long time in the NBA.

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Sixers vs. Trail Blazers preview: Sixers turn to Al Horford to lead the way

The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Portland Trail Blazers inside the bubble in Orlando.

The Philadelphia 76ers have already played one game without All-Star Ben Simmons after they knocked off the Orlando Magic, but now that they know he had to undergo surgery and he is most likely done for the season, things get a bit more challenging. They are going to have to focus on other players stepping up during these times and achieve their goals.

On Sunday, they will be taking on the Portland Trail Blazers who are fighting for their lives as they chase the 8 seed in the West. Led by Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, and Carmelo Anthony along with the terrific shooting of Gary Trent Jr. in the bubble, the Blazers have a lot of momentum on their side. Plus, they are one of the few teams who can matchup with Philadelphia’s size with Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins down low.

With that being said, let’s get into the game preview for this one:

How to watch Sixers vs. Trail Blazers

  • Date: Sunday, August 9
  • Time: 6:30 p.m. EST
  • Location: VISA Athletic Center Orlando, FL
  • TV: NBATV, NBC Sports Philadelphia

Injury Report

  • Sixers: OUT: Ben Simmons (left knee subluxation) QUESTIONABLE: Glenn Robinson III (left hip pointer)
  • Trail Blazers: NOT YET SUBMITTED

Storylines

Counting on Horford

The Sixers are now moving Al Horford back into the starting lineup with Simmons’ injury and Philadelphia now has to make some changes. They initially wanted to have Simmons at the 4 and use his athleticism to get the team to run more, but that now changes and they are going to need Horford’s experience, toughness, and veteran savvy to get the job done in Orlando.

“You can’t help but feel an emerging Al Horford,” said coach Brett Brown. “It’s clear he understands that we need him more than we ever have needed him. There’s a physical play that stands out the most.”

“We need to set the tone,” said Horford. “Coach has been talking about it all year and we need to make sure that we’re coming out and we’re setting the tone from the beginning.”

Good luck defending Embiid

Without Simmons, the Sixers now turn to Joel Embiid and will have him as the focal point of the offense. He is the most efficient post player in the league and he is a guy who can take games over at any moment. He did so in Friday’s win and when he is aggressive like that, Horford just says good luck.

“I think it was Joel,” said Horford. “I think Joel changes the game for us. In the second half, he didn’t care what was going on or what they were throwing at him. He was just going to go dominate and be assertive. When he does that and he had that mindset, all I can say is ‘good luck’.”

Prediction

The Blazers will come out with their hair on fire in this one. They suffered a bad loss on Saturday where they wasted an opportunity against a Los Angeles Clippers team that was resting a lot of their main guys. Philadelphia will feel the absence of Simmons in this one when defending their plethora of perimeter scorers and there will be a lot of pressure on Matisse Thybulle and Josh Richardson on defense. It’s hard to see them coming away with a win in this one.

Pick: Trail Blazers in a high scoring affair

Sixers vs. Trail Blazers season series

November 2: 129-128 Sixers

August 9:

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Portland Trail Blazers NBA Championship odds, picks and best bets

Assessing the betting odds and chances of the Portland Trail Blazers winning the Western Conference and the 2019-20 NBA Championship, with picks and best bets.

The Portland Trail Blazers were ninth in the Western Conference with a record of 29-37 when the 2019-20 NBA season was suspended. Below, we look at the BetMGM betting odds of the Trail Blazers winning the NBA Championship once play resumes with a 22-team format in Orlando, Fla., later this summer.

Portland Trail Blazers season recap

The Blazers opened the 2019-20 season going 14-20 through December following last season’s trip to the Western Conference Finals where they were swept by the Golden State Warriors 4-0. Portland averaged a sound 113.6 points per game this season, but allowed 115.3 points per contest to rank 13th in the conference. The Blazers were 15-17 from Jan. 1 to the time the season was suspended and just 4-6 in their final 10 games.

The Trail Blazers were led, as always, by PG Damian Lillard and SG CJ McCollum. Lillard was averaging 28.9 PPG with 7.8 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game. McCollum averaged 22.5 PPG, 4.3 APG and 4.1 RPG. C Hassan Whiteside added 16.3 PPG and 14.2 RPG and surprise SF Carmelo Anthony was averaging 15.3 PPG.

Injuries to SF Rodney Hood (Achilles), and C’s Zach Collins (shoulder) and Jusuf Nurkic (leg) had taken a large toll.

Portland was even more disappointing to bettors. The Blazers were just 27-37-2 against the spread on the season, 37-29 against the Over/Under and topped the projected totals by an average of 2.2 PPG.

Looking to place a bet on the NBA Championship? Get some action on it at BetMGM. Bet Now!

Portland Trail Blazers NBA Championship odds

Odds provided by BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, June 11 at 5 p.m. ET.

With the Blazers being outside of the standard playoff picture, they’ll need to play their way in under the new 22-team format in Orlando. This is reflected in their championship futures odds, as they’re just +25000, 16th of all 22 teams.

The Trail Blazers do have two of the best players for this modified end to the regular season, though. Trust in Lillard and McCollum to get Portland to the postseason. There, things should be considered to be wide open.

A young team gained some much-needed postseason experience with last season’s run and veteran depth was added in the offseason and ahead of the 2019-20 NBA Trade Deadline. The TRAIL BLAZERS (+25000) are worth at least a small wager to win the 2019-20 NBA Championship.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Blazers to win the championship returns a profit of $2,500.

Portland Trail Blazers Western Conference odds

With the biggest championship favorites residing in the Western Conference, the Trail Blazers still have lofty odds to represent the West in the NBA Finals. Their +15000 odds rank ninth in the conference to match their position in the standings.

Bet the TRAIL BLAZERS (+15000) to win the Western Conference title. Lillard and McCollum are plenty good enough to go up against the top duos of the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets. Plus, Whiteside, Anthony and SF Trevor Ariza add quality depth.

Get some action on the NBA Championship by signing up and betting at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Trade suggestion has Sixers trading Ben Simmons for C.J. McCollum

There is one trade suggestion out there that says the Philadelphia 76ers should trade Ben Simmons.

The Philadelphia 76ers were definitely underachieving in the 2019-20 season. They made plenty of moves in the 2019 offseason that had the organization thinking they were legitimate contenders heading into the season. However, before the league hiatus on March 11 due to coronavirus, they were sitting at just the 6 seed in the East as things did not go as planned.

All season long, the team has been criticized for putting together a roster with two traditional big men in Al Horford and Joel Embiid with a non-shooter in Ben Simmons at point guard. The awkward fit has had everybody taking aim at the Simmons and Embiid pairing suggesting that the Sixers break up the duo and there is one trade suggestion for Philadelphia that says they should trade Simmons to the Portland Trail Blazers for C.J. McCollum.

Bleacher Report put together a trade suggestion for a few contenders to improve and for this trade option for Philadelphia, they wrote:

The Trade: Ben Simmons for CJ McCollum, Anfernee Simons and 2021 first-round pick

It’s been an up-and-down season for the 76ers, and for the first time during Joel Embiid’s and Ben Simmons’ time as teammates, there’s evidence that calls their fit into question.

On the season, Philly is:

  • plus-1.0 points per 100 possessions when Embiid and Simmons are on the floor
  • plus-2.6 when Simmons is on the floor without Embiid
  • plus-10.8 when Embiid is on the floor without Simmons

It’s understandable when you consider the offensive struggles of the Sixers all season, but that is more due to the Horford acquisition and the loss of sharpshooter JJ Redick. When you look at the numbers, the duo of Simmons and Embiid had an offensive rating of 113.3 and it was 112.8 in 2018-19. That number has dropped to 104.7 in 2019-20 as the new pieces still need the time to jell.

A big issue has been Simmons’ reluctance to shoot the ball, drawing the ire of assistant coach Jim O’Brien, and that is the main motivation for a McCollum acquisition.

B/R added:

The Sixers would be giving up the best asset in the deal (and by a wide margin). Simmons is still just 23 years old. So getting back a first-rounder and an intriguing young player in Anfernee Simons would make this a bit more palatable.

Plus, if McCollum is your point guard, defenses won’t be able to sag when the ball goes inside to Embiid.

The big man’s ceiling will most likely be reached when he’s surrounded by shooters, and McCollum is more than that. He’s averaged at least 20 points in each of the last five seasons.

Whenever the NBA can resume, and there is optimism that it can, the playoffs will be telling for this team. It very well may decide what the team does with the All-Star duo as they decide on how to best move the team forward. [lawrence-related id=29465,29456,29448]

Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Suns at Blazers sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Portland Trail Blazers (28-37) get a rematch against the Phoenix Suns (26-38). After losing 127-117 to them in Phoenix last week, they host them at the Moda Center Tuesday night. Tip-off is at 10 p.m. ET.

We analyze the Suns-Blazers odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Suns at Blazers: Key injuries

Suns

  • F Frank Kaminsky (knee) out
  • F Cam Johnson (mononucleosis) out
  • F Kelly Oubre (knee) out
  • C Deandre Ayton (ankle) questionable

Blazers

  • F Zach Collins (shoulder) out
  • F Rodney Hood (Achilles) out
  • C Jusuf Nurkic (leg) out

Suns at Blazers: 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 Tuesday at 12:25 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Blazers 119, Suns 116

Moneyline (ML)

The Suns (+155) have won two straight, beating Portland and the Milwaukee Bucks to close out a six-game homestand. They have been better on the road (13-16) than at home and have beaten Portland in two of three matchups this season, including in their only other game in Portland, a 122-116 win. The Blazers (-189) are 17-14 overall at home but lost their last game against the Sacramento Kings to kick off a six-game homestand. They have been solid as a home favorite against the money line all season, going 15-6 straight up when favored at home, while the Suns are 9-12 as road dogs.

While Phoenix has found some offensive rhythm with C Aron Baynes in the starting lineup while Ayton is out, they have not been consistent enough to make them a solid bet. Take the BLAZERS at -189.

New to sports betting? A $189 wager on Portland returns a profit of $100.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Blazers are favored at home tonight at -4.5 (-110). Neither team has been a good bet recently to cover. Portland has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last 11 games. The Suns have failed to cover in six of their last 10 although they have won and covered in two straight games in which they were underdogs. Phoenix is 16-13 ATS on the road and 12-9 ATS as road dogs. Portland is 12-17-2 ATS at home and 10-10-1 as home favorites against the spread.

Expect the Suns to keep it close enough for a competitive game. Take the SUNS at +4.5 (-110). 

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for Tuesday’s matchup is set at 232.5 points. The two teams combined for 244 in Phoenix last week and 238 and 221 in their previous games. They have gone Over in two of three games they have played each other. Suns games have gone Over in three in a row and in four of the last five games. Blazers games have also gone over in four of the last five games. The Blazers are 19-12 O/U at home. Expect this game to go OVER (-106) as well.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @senorjessroot and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Sacramento Kings at Portland Trail Blazers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Sacramento Kings at Portland Trail Blazers sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Portland Trail Blazers (28-36) host the Sacramento Kings (27-35) on Saturday in the second game of a back-to-back. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at the Moda Center. We analyze the Kings-Blazers odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Kings at Blazers: Key injuries

Kings

  • PF Richaun Holmes (shoulder) questionable
  • PF Marvin Bagley III (foot) out

Blazers

  • C Jusuf Nurkic (leg) out
  • PF Zach Collins (shoulder) out
  • SG Rodney Hood (Achilles’) out

Kings at Blazers: 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 at 3:00 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Kings 118, Trail Blazers 113

Moneyline (ML)

This is a pivotal game for Portland (-154) and Sacramento (+125) who are both 3.5 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the 8-seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Both enter their fourth meeting of the season looking to bounce back from disappointing losses. Portland holds a 2-1 season series lead this year.

The Trail Blazers lost, 127-117, to the Phoenix Suns on the road Friday. The Kings’ three-game winning streak came to an end on Thursday when they lost to the banged-up Philadelphia 76ers, 125-108, at home. Aside from their stinker at home last game, the Kings have been playing their best ball of the season. Post-All-Star Break, the Kings are 6-2 overall since February, outscoring opponents 114-111, and getting impressive victories against the Grizzlies (twice) and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Trail Blazers are only 3-5 post-All-Star Break, and they struggle in the second of back-to-backs going 3-7 in those games.

SPRINKLE a little on the KINGS (+125) on the moneyline. New to sports betting? Bet $100 on Kings (+125) and earn a $115 profit if they upset the Blazers.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

I LIKE the KINGS +3.5 (-115) for insurance on our moneyline wager. Sacramento has covered six of their past eight games, and Portland is just 3-7 against the spread over their last 10. The Kings are better against the spread on the road than the Blazers are at home. Sacramento is 20-12 ATS in away games, and are 10-5 ATS versus losing teams on the road, compared to Portland who is 12-16-2 ATS at home. Sacramento is 9-4 ATS when they are a small dog (1-2.5 points) and Portland is 3-3 ATS when favored that many points.

New to sports betting? Bet $230 on the Kings +3.5 (-115) to earn a profit of $200 if they win outright or lose by two or fewer points.

Over/Under (O/U)

It’s a slight lean to the OVER 229.5 (-115) for me because of a few trends and both teams having below-average defenses. Three of the last four Kings-Blazers games have gone Over the projected total. The Kings are ranked 19th in defensive rating, and the Blazers are ranked 27th. Sacramento has an 11-5 Over/Under record when playing with a rest advantage and Portland is 6-4 O/U when playing with no rest days. I only slightly lean Over because I don’t generally play game totals, and the Under is 18-6 in the last 24 meetings in Portland.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Geoffery_Clark and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Portland Trail Blazers at Atlanta Hawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Portland Trail Blazers at Atlanta Hawks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Portland Trail Blazers (26-34) will travel to the State Farm Arena to take on the Atlanta Hawks (18-43) on Saturday night. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. E.T. We analyze the Trail Blazers-Hawks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Trail Blazers at Atlanta Hawks: Key injuries

Trail Blazers:

  • PG Damian Lillard (groin) out
  • SG Rodney Hood (Achilles’) out
  • C Jusuf Nurkc (leg) out
  • PF Zach Collins (shoulder) out

Hawks:

  • C Clint Capela (heel) out
  • SG De’Andre Bembry (abdomen) questionable
  • C Dewayne Demon (elbow) out
  • PF Skal Labissiere (knee) out

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Trail Blazers at Hawks: Odds, lines, picks, and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:30 a.m. E.T.

Prediction

Hawks 120, Trail Blazers 111

Moneyline (ML)

The HAWKS (-121) are slight home favorites against the Trail Blazers, despite Portland being without their best player in Damian Lillard. The Trail Blazers have been in a slump without Lillard, losing five of their last six games. And while the Hawks certainly haven’t been great, they have played better basketball since the All-Star break. Take Atlanta to win at home on Saturday night.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The HAWKS (-1.5, -110) are less than a basket favorite over the Trail Blazers on Saturday night. Without Lillard, Portland has been awful against the spread, failing to cover in the five of their last six games. Meanwhile, the Hawks have fared well against Western Conference opponents this season, covering in nine of their last 12 games against the opposing conference. Given how low this spread is, take the Hawks to cover this spread at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Saturday night contest is set at 236.5, which feels about right considering how much these two teams have struggled on defense this season. Both the Trail Blazers and the Hawks ranked among the bottom five teams in the league on defense as each side is allowing more than 115 points per game. However, without Lillard, the Trail Blazers’ offense has been less than stellar, and that should allow the UNDER to hit in Atlanta.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Marcus_Mosher and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets odds, picks and best bets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Portland Trail Blazers (23-27) stop by the Pepsi Center to play Northwestern Division-rival Denver Nuggets (34-16) Tuesday at 10:00 p.m. ET. We analyze Blazers-Nuggets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Blazers at Nuggets: Key injuries

BLAZERS

  • PF Skal Labissiere (knee) out
  • C Jusuf Nurkic (leg) out
  • SG Rodney Hood (Achilles’) out
  • PF Zach Collins (shoulder) out

NUGGETS

  • SF Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) out
  • C Bol Bol (foot) out
  • PF Mason Plumlee (foot) out
  • PF Paul Millsap (knee) out
  • PG Jamal Murray (ankle) questionable

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Blazers at Nuggets: 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 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Blazers 117, Nuggets 112

Moneyline (ML)

Denver is currently first in the Northwestern Division and have beaten the Trail Blazers in both their meetings this season. The Nuggets were most likely motivated to get revenge on the Blazers for eliminating them in last year’s Western Conference Semifinals.

But, the Trail Blazers are the current ninth seed in the West and have climbed back into contention for the final playoff spot thanks to a 7-3 record over their last 10 games, which featured victories over the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers. Damian Lillard’s crazy hot streak has been the key to the Blazers’ recent success. Over the past 10 games, Lillard is scoring 41.6 points on .528% shooting, .500% from behind the 3-point line with 5.4 rebound and 9.3 assists per game.

Let’s ride with the hot hand, and the more healthy side, and MAKE A SMALL WAGER on BLAZERS +145. New to sports betting? Bet $50 on Blazers +145 to earn a profit of $72.50 if the Blazers win outright.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Since we are on Portland to win straight up, definitely BET BLAZERS +4.5 (-121). The more expensive price point for the Blazers line can be viewed as a good thing because that means the oddsmakers are trying to price bettors out of betting Portland. Portland is 4-0 against the spread in their last four games. Also, the Nuggets have struggled in similar betting situations this season: They are 0-5-1 against the spread when laying 3-4.5 points. 

Over/Under (O/U)

Each of the last two Nuggets’ games have went Over and the Over has cashed in seven of the last eight Blazers games. The Blazers have scored 120+ points in their past six games and the Over correlates with the other handicaps since the Blazers are the eighth highest-scoring team in the NBA. Denver has a good defense—ranked fifth in opponent’s points per game and fourth in opponent’s 3-point percentage—but they’ll need to score points to keep up with the Blazers. Good thing for them the Blazers are ranked 26th in defensive rating.

BET OVER 224.5 (-121) is the right bet on the total of Blazers-Nuggets.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Geoffery_Clark and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Portland Trail Blazers at Oklahoma City Thunder odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Portland Trail Blazers at Oklahoma City Thunder sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The Portland Trail Blazers (18-25) meet up with the Northwestern Division-rival Oklahoma City Thunder (23-19) at the Chesapeake Energy Arena for a 9 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Trail Blazers-Thunder odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Blazers at Thunder: Key injuries

Trail Blazers

  • PG Damian Lillard (illness) questionable
  • SG C.J. McCollum (ankle) questionable
  • SG Gary Trent Jr. (illness) questionable
  • PF Skal Labissiere (knee) out
  • C Jusuf Nurkic (leg) out
  • SG Rodney Hood (Achilles) out
  • PF Zach Collins (shoulder) out

Thunder

  • C Steven Adams (knee) questionable
  • SF Abdel Nader (ankle) out
  • SG Andre Roberson (knee) out

Blazers at Thunder: 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 at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Thunder 110, Blazers 101

Moneyline (ML)

With both teams on the second game of a back-to-back, it’s hard to not lean toward the Thunder (-278) at home. Oklahoma City also has an edge because it doesn’t have to travel for this matchup. The Thunder lost 115-108 at home Friday to the Miami Heat and are slightly better in back-to-backs than the Blazers. The Thunder are 3-3 outright in games with no rest and the Blazers are just 2-4. Furthermore, Oklahoma City is 13-9 straight up at home and should be able to bounce back from consecutive losses against a Portland team that is just 9-15 outright on the road.

All that being said, we are PASSING on the moneyline because a $10 bet on the Thunder to win outright returns a profit of just $3.60.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The edge goes to the Thunder who are a tad healthier than the Blazers at the moment. Lillard was questionable with an illness in the Blazers’ last game. He ended up playing but is still dealing with that. Also, McCollum sprained his ankle in the second quarter of their game against the Dallas Mavericks. Even if Lillard was a 100%, he could very well still struggle against Thunder PG Chris Paul, who’s gotten the better of him throughout their careers.

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The betting stats don’t bode well for a Blazers bet either. They are 16-15-2 against the spread compared to a Thunder team that is 27-15 ATS. Rehashing the back-to-back stuff, Portland has a -2.8 ATS margin of victory in their six games with no rest and the Thunder have an impressive 8.8 ATS margin of victory in their six games with no rest.

BET THUNDER (-6.5, -115).

Over/Under (O/U)

Betting the projected total of 224.5 in the Blazers-Thunder game is a real toss-up in my opinion. Their combined Over/Under record is 41-44 on the season and they each have a 3-3 record in games with no rest. Also, the previous seven Blazers-Thunder games have alternated between Over and Under. PASS.

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