Posted on
2/13/2008 1:49:22 PM
Bet On NBA Basketball – Portland Trailblazers at Dallas Mavericks
By Eric Williams
The young Portland Trail Blazers, (28-23 SU, 27-24 ATS, 20-30-1 O/U) have had an absolutely fine season that has been a huge surprise so far, but they are in the mist of their roughest stretch all season, dropping seven of their last ten games, including a 95-83 loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday.
The Dallas Mavericks, (34-17 SU, 20-28-3 ATS, 24-27 O/U) may have a very solid straight up record this season, but the Mavericks have struggled with inconsistency themselves this season.
The Mavericks have dropped two straight and four of six, including a dismal 84-76 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night after falling to the mediocre New Jersey Nets just one night earlier.
"We have a high standard of excellence that we want to play to," said Mavs coach Avery Johnson. "We are clear on our systems and we have to try to make the necessary adjustments. Mentally and physically, we just haven't been able to sustain throughout the whole game and that's what we need to do."
"We just aren't handling adversity very well right now, but these men are fighters," Johnson told the Mavericks' official Web site.
Portland is just 6-10 since winning 17 of 18 from Dec. 3 –Jan. 9 while reigning MVP Dirk Nowitzki is a combined 8-for-31 from the field in the Mavs' last two defeats.
Here is a look at several of tonight’s key trends, followed by my NBA Betting Picks.
The Trail Blazers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
The Trail Blazers are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600.
The Mavericks are 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
The Mavericks are 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400.
The Under is 11-1 in Trail Blazers last 12 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
The Over is 5-1 in Mavericks last six vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
The Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
The Under is 7-0 in the last seven meetings in Dallas.
Analysis: Both of these teams could use a victory in the worst way. The Mavericks should be able to handle the struggling Trailblazers in this contest, but I like a hungry Portland team to cover the spread in this matchup – and possibly win outright.
NBA Free Picks: Portland +6 Points
08:35 PM EST NBA Betting Odds
Portland Trailblazers +6 -110
Dallas Mavericks -6 -110
Over 183 -110
Under 183 -110
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