Posted on 12/6/2007 2:32:44 PM

NBA Betting Odds – Miami (4-13) at Portland (6-12)

By Eric Williams

Despite the return of superstar shooting guard Dwyane Wade to the team 10 games ago, the Miami Heat have struggled immensely and are clearly in need of more help whether they want to admit it or not.

The Miami Heat, (9-8 ATS, 7-9-1 O/U), have lost three consecutive games coming into this contest after getting off to a 1-6 start without Wade who sat out the beginning of the regular season while

 

Wade has played well, but hasn’t been his old self, averaging a solid 20.0 points, 5.4 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game, but he has clearly taken a step back with his game because of his recent injuries. Miami is just 3-7 with Wade back in the lineup this season.

The Heat will be facing a talented – and determined – young team in the Portland Trailblazers.

Despite losing first overall draft pick Greg Oden before the regular season ever got under way, the Blazers have performed well this season – and put on stellar performances on several occasions this season, including their last game, a 106-105 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

 

The Blazers, (8-10 ATS, 7-11 O/U), picked dup their first road win of the season when Travis Outlaw banked in an off-balance runner at the buzzer. Outlaw is averaging 18.0 points and 7.3 rebounds in his last four games.

The Blazers are led by second year players, LaMarcus Aldridge, (18.6 ppg) and last year’s Rookie of the Year, shooting guard Brandon Roy, (17.0 ppg).

Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Betting Free Picks:

Key Heat Trends

The Heat are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.

The Heat are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

The Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. loss.

Key Blazers Trends

The Trail Blazers are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games as a home underdog.

The Trail Blazers are 18-6 ATS in their last 24 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.

The Trail Blazers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a S.U. win.

Key Totals Trends

The Under is 7-0 in Heat last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

The Over is 5-1-1 in Heat last 7 games following a S.U. loss.

The Under is 5-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.

The Under is 5-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 overall.

Key Head-to-Head Trends

The Heat are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Portland.

The Heat are 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

The Over is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings.

Analysis: While the Miami Heat have D-Wade and an aging Shaquille O’Neal, the Portland Trailblazers have Aldridge and Roy, a pair of young players I’d take over the aforementioned pair any day of the week at this point. Take the young Blazers, who have been beasts at home this season, to win this contest outright.

NBA Free Picks: Blazers +3.5 Points/Under 186 Total Points

10:35 PM EST NBA Odds

Miami Heat -3½ -110

Portland Trailblazers +3½ -110

Over 186 -110

Under 186 -110

You’ll find the latest 2007-2008 NBA odds and lines in the best online sportsbook, BetUS.com. Betting on NBA player and game props makes every aspect of the game exciting. Join BetUS.com today to bet on the NBA and make online sports betting work for you!