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posted February 4, 2008 at 20:42 in NBA Free Picks

The Denver Nuggets, (28-18 SU, 24-22 ATS, 23-23 O/U) went 3-2 without high-scoring all-star forward Carmelo Anthony out of the lineup recently, but posted a resounding 117-101 victory over the dazed Charlotte Bobcats in Anthony’s first game back from an ankle injury as the former Syracuse University scored a team-high 25 points to lead the Nuggets to their second consecutive win and sixth in the team’s last ten games.

(The ankle) didn't hurt at all," said Anthony, who also grabbed 10 rebounds. "It felt good to be back."

High-scoring point guard Allen Iverson welcomed Anthony back with open arms.

"When he is not in the lineup, it makes it tougher for me," Iverson said. "He is the main part of our team and he enables us to do so much with the attention that he gets."

 

The Portland Trail Blazers, (27-19 SU, 26-20 ATS, 18-27-1 O/U) were arguably the hottest team in the league less than two weeks ago, but have hit a few potholes in the road along the way.

The Blazers are just 5-5 in their last ten games but managed to beat the New York Knicks 94-88 in overtime on Friday as shooting guard Brandon Roy saved the day with his first career triple-double, recording 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a spectacular performance for the second-year star.

We were dead in the water ... and we were able to mount another unbelievable comeback," said Roy, named to the Western Conference All-Star team this week. "It's a special season."

Special season or not, the Blazers are juts 3-7 against the spread (ATS) in their last 10 games and have failed to cover the spread in five straight games coming into tonight’s matchup.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my NBA Betting Free Picks:

Key Nuggets Trends

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

The Nuggets are 4-0 ATS in their last four games playing on one days rest.

The Nuggets are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.

Key Blazers Trends

The Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last five Monday games.

The Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last five vs. NBA Northwest.

The Trail Blazers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400.

Key Totals Trends

The Under is 5-1 in Nuggets last six games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.

The Over is 4-1 in Nuggets last five vs. NBA Northwest.

The Under is 5-0 in Trail Blazers last five when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

The Under is 5-0 in Trail Blazers last five games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5.

Key Head-to-Head Trends

The Nuggets are 10-3-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings in Portland.

The Nuggets are 21-8-1 ATS in the last 30 meetings.

The Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings in Portland.

Analysis: While the Blazers are a solid 19-5 at home this season, they have been slowly coming back to the pack in terms of ATS numbers a bit recently. Something tells me that the Nuggets, who have been maddeningly inconsistent themselves this season, are going to pick up a rare road win tonight while covering the spread in the process.

NBA Free Picks: Nuggets 101 Blazers 95

10:05 PM EST NBA Odds

Denver Nuggets +2½ -110

Portland Trailblazers -2½ -110

Over 203 -110

Under 203 -110

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