The Portland Trail Blazers (1-0) take on the San Antonio Spurs (1-0) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The game begins at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 20, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 213 points with Portland opening as a 4-point favorite.
San Antonio Spurs at Portland Trail Blazers Free Prediction
In the Spurs’ last matchup, they covered the 2.5-point spread against the Minnesota Timberwolves, 112-108. The game’s total points (220) were over the projected point total of 212. San Antonio out-rebounded Minnesota. The Spurs had 19 offensive rebounds and 52 total rebounds, while the Timberwolves had 14 and 46, respectively. LaMarcus Aldridge fueled San Antonio with 21 points and 19 rebounds.
The Trail Blazers beat the Los Angeles Lakers in their last game, 128-119, covering as 3-point favorites. The total points for the game (247) came in well over the O/U total of 224. Portland out-rebounded Los Angeles. The Trail Blazers had 14 offensive rebounds and 54 total rebounds, while the Lakers had eight and 46, respectively. Damian Lillard was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 9-for-21 shooting.
The offense of Portland will face off against the top-notch defense of San Antonio. Dating back to last season, the Trail Blazers rank 16th in offensive efficiency, while the Spurs are fourth in defensive efficiency. The Spurs should have the edge on that side of the ball.
Since last season, the Spurs have had records of 48-35 straight up (SU) and 51-46-2 against the spread (ATS). Games featuring San Antonio have had a tendency to finish over the O/U total since last season (56.6 percent).
The Trail Blazers, on the other hand, are 50-33 SU and 42-45 ATS since last season. Over that same stretch, Portland’s games have had a tendency to finish over the O/U total (55.2 percent).
The Spurs won two out of three contests against the Trail Blazers last season. In the most recent game, San Antonio won 116-105. The Spurs had a much better turnover percentage (7.0 vs. 12.3) and had a better free throw rate (0.179 vs. 0.114).
San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Trail Blazers, ATS Winner – Trail Blazers, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Portland is 26-8 and San Antonio is 33-11.
In games where they score above 100 points, the Trail Blazers are 45-21 and the Spurs are 38-15.
San Antonio ranks second in blocks allowed per game (3.9) while Portland ranks 23rd (5.2).
The Spurs rank 18th in assists per game (22.6) while the Trail Blazers rank last (19.5).
San Antonio ranks 19th in points off turnovers per game (16.1) while Portland ranks 29th (14.3).
The Trail Blazers rank fourth in rebounds per game (45.5) while the Spurs rank 14th (43.9).
Portland ranks 18th in three pointers attempted per game (28.4) while San Antonio ranks 27th (24.4).
The Spurs rank 23rd in fast break points per game (10.1) while the Trail Blazers rank last (8.6).
Portland averages 13.7 second chance points per game, which ranks sixth in the league. San Antonio ranks 12th in second chance points allowed per game (12.0).
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