The Phoenix Suns (18-42), who are currently on an eight-game losing streak, will attempt to get back in the win column when they welcome the Portland Trail Blazers (33-26) to Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 220 points with Portland set as a 6-point favorite. Action begins at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Preview
In the Trail Blazers last game, they had no trouble getting past the Utah Jazz, 100-81. CJ McCollum was the games leading scorer with 26 points on 11-for-21 shooting. Portland dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.4 (better than their season average of 12.3) and a free throw rate of 0.149 (matching their season average). Utah was 18.7 and 0.115, respectively, for those same stats.
The Suns are hoping for a better outcome after their 128-117 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in their last matchup. With 27 points and eight rebounds, T.J. Warren played well for Phoenix. Los Angeles did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (24-32; 75.0 percent). Phoenix, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 7.9 (better than their season average of 13.4).
The offense of Phoenix (29th in the league with an offensive efficiency of 102.2) will face off against the elite defense of Portland (eighth in the NBA with a defensive efficiency of 104.9). The Trail Blazers should have the edge on that side of the ball.
Of Portland’s 58 games that accepted bets, 32 have finished under the projected point total, while 30 of Phoenix’s 59 games have finished under the O/U total. The Trail Blazers have the significant advantage straight up (SU) (33-26 vs. 18-42) and a narrow edge against the spread (ATS) (28-24-6 vs. 27-30-2).
These two teams have already met three times this year, with the Trail Blazers winning all three. In the most recent contest, the Suns lost 118-111 but covered as 11-point underdogs. Devin Booker led both teams with 43 points and also put up eight assists and six rebounds. The two teams combined to put up 229 points, which was 13 points above the projected point total of 216 points. The Trail Blazers turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Suns. Portland had a rate of 8.6, while Phoenix posted a mark of 11.6.
Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns Odds Prediction
Free Pick: SU Winner – Trail Blazers, ATS Winner – Trail Blazers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Trail Blazers average 5.1 blocks per game, which ranks ninth in the league. The Suns rank 26th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
- Portland ranks first in assists allowed per game (20.2) while Phoenix ranks 11th (22.7).
- Portland ranks ninth in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.2) while Phoenix ranks 26th (18.7).
- Portland ranks fifth in three pointers allowed per game (26.7) while Phoenix ranks 12th (28.4).
- Portland is 16-11-3 ATS on the road, while Phoenix is 11-18-1 ATS at home.
- The total has gone under in 15 of the Suns 30 home games, while 17 of the Trail Blazers 30 road games have gone under.
- In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Phoenix is 6-2 and Portland is 18-5.
- The Suns are 14-24 when they score over 100 points, while the Trail Blazers are 28-13.
- The Trail Blazers rank 12th in steals allowed per game (7.5) while the Suns rank 27th (8.7).
- Phoenix ranks fifth in fast break points per game (14.2) while Portland ranks last (7.2).
- The Trail Blazers average 44.8 rebounds per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Suns rank 28th in rebounds allowed per game (45.5).
- The Trail Blazers average 12.7 second chance points per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. The Suns rank 22nd in second chance points allowed per game (13.1).
- Portland ranks fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (41.7) while Phoenix ranks 25th (47.5).
Betting Trends:
- Phoenix is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Portland is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
- The Suns average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 25.0, up from 9.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Trail Blazers have scored an average of 109.2 points per game (4.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 103.2 points per game (0.4 below their season average).
