Posted on
1/16/2008 6:03:17 PM
NBA Wagering Feature – Can Celtics End Losing Streak Against Hot Blazers?
By Eric Williams
The Boston Celtics, (30-6 SU, 22-13-1 ATS, 14-21-1 O/U) enter tonight’s matchup against the red-hot Portland Trail Blazers, (23-14 SU, 24-13 ATS, 15-22 O/U) having lost consecutive games for the first time this season - with both losses coming at the hands of the surprising Washington Wizards, 88-83 on Monday and 85-78 last Saturday.
The Blazers come into this contest having won eight of their last ten games, including a 99-73 road win over the New Jersey Nets on Monday.
Boston is a perfect 10-0 against western conference opponents this season, but have struggled big time at the offensive end of the floors, averaging just 82.5 points per game over their last four contests.
An ailing Ray Allen has struggled recently while trying to get past a pinched nerve and is averaging just 10.2 points per game on 31 percent shooting from the field in his last five games.
Paul Pierce, Boston’s leading scorer this season, has led the team in scoring just once in Boston’s last eight contests.
The Blazers are led by their pair of second-year players, shooting guard Brandon Roy, (19.0 ppg) and power forward LaMarcus Aldridge, (17.9 ppg) and got a huge boost from the return of veteran point guard Steve Blake.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Betting Free Picks.
Key Blazers Trends
The Trail Blazers are 4-0 ATS in their last four Wednesday games.
The Trail Blazers are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games playing on one days rest.
The Trail Blazers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven vs. Eastern Conference.
Key Celtics Trends
The Celtics are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a S.U. loss.
The Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last five vs. NBA Northwest.
The Celtics are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5.
Key Totals Trends
The Under is 4-0 in Trail Blazers last four games playing on one days rest.
The Over is 6-0 in Trail Blazers last six games after allowing less than 75 points in their previous game.
The Under is 4-0 in Celtics last four games as a favorite.
The Under is 5-0 in Celtics last five overall.
Key Head-to-Head Trends
The Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Boston.
The Trail Blazers are 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings in Boston.
The Road team is 11-3 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
Analysis: While I like the Celtics to bounce back from their two-game slide and win tonight’s contest, I just don’t see them beating a confident Blazers team that most certainly realizes the importance of this game, thanks to head coach Nate McMillan. Take the Blazers to cover the spread tonight in a losing effort.
NBA Free Picks: Boston 96 Portland 91
07:35 PM EST NBA Betting Odds
Portland Trailblazers +8½ -110
Boston Celtics -8½ -110
Over 180 -110
Under 180 -110
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