The Portland Trail Blazers (22-21) take on the Phoenix Suns (16-28) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, and will air on NBATV.
Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers Free Prediction
In the Suns’ last matchup, they were blown out by the Indiana Pacers, 120-97. Indiana’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Phoenix. The Pacers had a rate of 6.0 (better than their season average of 12.3), while the Suns posted a mark of 11.2. Phoenix’s Alex Len had a solid performance, contributing 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Trail Blazers were beaten by the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last matchup, 120-103. Minnesota was effective at getting and making free throws. The Timberwolves made 27 of their 33 free throws (81.8 percent), while the Trail Blazers were 14-17 (82.4 percent). With 21 points on 7-for-14 shooting, Damian Lillard led Portland in scoring.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Portland should have a significant advantage. The Trail Blazers defense ranks fifth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.505), while the Phoenix offense is ranked 29th in effective field goal percentage (0.496).
Phoenix heads into the contest with records of 16-28 straight up (SU) and 20-22-2 against the spread (ATS). There does not appear to be a trend for Suns games in regards to the projected point total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Portland owns records of 22-21 SU and 19-20-4 ATS. Vegas has a tendency to place the total high when the Trail Blazers are involved, as 60.5 percent of their games have gone under the O/U total.
The Trail Blazers have won both matchups against the Suns this season, including a seven-point victory in their last matchup. Portland was unable to cover as a 12-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 221 points, which was just 3 points above the projected point total of 218 points. The Trail Blazers had a better turnover percentage (11.9 vs. 14.5) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (26.1 vs. 22.6). Despite the loss, Devin Booker was the game’s leading scorer with 34 points.
Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Trail Blazers, ATS Winner – Trail Blazers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Phoenix is 11-8-1 ATS with 11 overs and 9 unders.
At home, Portland is 6-11-3 ATS with 14 unders and 6 overs.
Portland is 14-4 when they allow under 100 points, while Phoenix is 5-2.
In games where they score over 100 points, the Suns are 12-16 and the Trail Blazers are 17-11.
Phoenix ranks fifth in fast break points per game (14.1) while Portland ranks last (6.3).
The Trail Blazers rank sixth in blocks per game (5.2) while the Suns rank 25th in blocks allowed per game (5.3).
Portland ranks 12th in points allowed in the paint per game (42.8) while Phoenix ranks 27th (48.0).
The Trail Blazers rank 13th in second chance points per game (12.6) while the Suns rank 28th in second chance points allowed per game (13.8).
Portland ranks 13th in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.9) while Phoenix ranks 27th (18.9).
The Trail Blazers average 44.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 11th in the NBA. The Suns rank 25th in rebounds allowed per game (45.2).
Portland ranks 14th in steals allowed per game (7.8) while Phoenix ranks 26th (8.8).
The Trail Blazers rank first in assists allowed per game (19.8) while the Suns rank 11th (22.2).
Portland ranks second in three pointers allowed per game (25.6) while Phoenix ranks 11th (27.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Phoenix is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Portland is 1-3-1 ATS with 5 overs over their last five games.
The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 12.6, up from 7.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Trail Blazers have scored an average of 111.2 points per game (7.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 115.2 points per game (12.0 above their season average).
