The Portland Trail Blazers are visiting the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on Friday afternoon in hope to snap their 3-game losing streak. On the other side, the young Sixers are entering this game after a 94-89 win over the Toronto Raptors. The game tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET.
NBA Odds:
Line: Portland Trail Blazers -2
Total: 209.5 (-102)
The Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers (18-26) are currently on a 3-game losing streak as they enter their third consecutive road game on Friday night. Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards and the Charlotte Hornets do not belong to the elite NBA class, but they all came out on top against the Blazers. What should really worry the Blazers team is the fact that in those three games they have allowed 114 points on average. Their latest loss came on Wednesday night when the Blazers suffered a tough 107-85 loss in Charlotte. Damian Lillard (21 pts) and CJ McCollum (18pts) were the only players on the Blazers team to score in double figures.
It is obvious that the Blazers need much more production from the supporting cast as the Lillard-McCollum duo is not able to do it all by themselves. The Blazers are entering the contest with 7 wins and 17 losses on the road. More importantly, the Blazers have lost 16 out of their last 22 games, dating back to December 5th 2016.
The Blazers are entering this contest averaging 107.4 points per game, on a 46% shooting from the field and 36% shooting from the 3-point line, while defensively, they are giving up 110.6 points to their opponents. CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard continue to lead the Blazers in scoring. McCollum is averaging 23.4 points on a 48% shooting from the field, while pulling down 3.5 boards and dishing out 3.7 assists per game. Lillard is the team’s top scorer with 26.1 points per game in 35.6 minutes of action. The Blazers starting guard is also handing out 6 assists while collecting 4.9 rebounds per game.
The Philadelphia 76ers
Although it seems realistically impossible, the Philadelphia 76ers (14-26) could still make the Play-offs, especially if they continue their current form. The 76ers started off the year as a completely new team, having won 6 out of their last 8 games. Joel Embiid was the leading scorer in all but one game. Their talent is finally starting to show off and I wouldn’t be surprised if the young Sixers make some noise and upsets as the season moves on. Their latest victory came on Wednesday night after taking down one of the best Eastern Conference teams, the Toronto Raptors, with 94-89. Joel Embiid scored game high 26 points and pulled down 9 boards.
The Sixers are currently averaging 99.3 points per game, which has them ranked at the 27th spot in the NBA, while allowing 104.9 points to their opponents. They are shooting 43% from the field and 35% from the 3-point line.
Joel Embiid, if he manages to stay healthy, is most certainly the new Rookie of the year. He is currently averaging 19.9 points per game and pulling down 7.8 rebounds. In addition, his versatility has him averaging 2.0 assists and 2.4 rejections per game on a 46% shooting from the field. Furthermore, 7 more Sixers players are scoring between 8 and 15 points, which only proves talent on this team. Don’t forget that they are still missing the 2016 No.1 Draft pick Ben Simmons and once he joins the team, the Sixers could reach the top of the East.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Philadelphia 76ers Game Trends and Prediction
The Portland Trail Blazers are 18-26 ATS overall and 26-18 against the over/under. The Blazers are 5-4 ATS and 5-4 against the over/under in January.
The Sixers are 23-17 ATS and 17-23 against the over/under. The Sixers are also 7-1 ATS and 2-6 against the over/under in the month of January.
The Blazers have won 3 out of the last 5 meetings with the Sixers. The over/under in those 5 games is 2-3.
If we were to count the record of all teams in 2017, the Sixers would definitely be among the best teams in the NBA. It will be interesting to watch this team as the season progresses and I wonder how long they can keep up with this form. Having won their last 2 games and considering that the Blazers have lost 3 in a row, I am giving the slight advantage to the Sixers.
The over/under is set at 209.5 points (-102) and considering the trends I am going with the under!!!
My Pick: Philadelphia 76ers and Under!!!
