Posted on 4/16/2008 6:02:36 PM

NBA Basketball Betting - Portland at Phoenix

By Charles Jay

WHO: Portland Trail Blazers (41-40 SU, 40-38 ATS) at Phoenix Suns (54-27 SU, 39-38-3 ATS)

WHERE: US Airways Center in Phoenix

WHEN: Wednesday, April 16 at 10 PM ET

BetUS NBA basketball betting odds: Phoenix -12, Total 210

In the HEAD-to-HEAD NBA betting trends:

* PHX has won the last eight meetings SU

* PHX has covered six of the last seven meetings

* Twelve of the last 18 meetings have gone OVER the total

* PHX has covered 10 of the last 14 meetings as the home team

* PHX has won the last five meetings SU as the home team

* Six of the last seven meetings in Phoenix have gone OVER the total

* PHX has had the shooting edge in each of the last eight meetings

* PHX has had the rebounding edge in five of the last seven meetings

* PHX has made more three-pointers in nine of the last ten meetings

Portland is about even with its opponents in terms of field goal percentage. The Blazers have shot 44.9% from the field and allowed 45.1% shooting on the part of its foes. Portland has turned the ball over 12.2 times a game. Also:

* PORT has lost six of its last nine games SU

* PORT has covered four of its last five games

* PORT has lost five of its last six road games SU

* PORT has played six of its last nine games UNDER the total

* PORT has played five of its last six road games UNDER the total

Phoenix is the most accurate shooting team in the NBA, at 50.1%. The Steve Nash-led Suns averaged 26.7 assists a game, good for a 1.9-to-1 assist-turnover ratio. Also:

* PHX has won 14 of its last 19 games SU

* PHX has won eight of its last nine home games SU

* PHX has covered five of its last eight games

* PHX has played four of its last six games UNDER the total

The Trail Blazers may be out of the playoff picture, but that does not mean they are not motivated, as they have a chance to finish the season over the .500-mark, something that was unforeseen when it was announced that Greg Oden, the NBA's #1 overall draft choice, would be out for the season. Portland is without Martell Webster, who has an irregular heartbeat, and Joel Przybilla, who is out with a broken hand, but in an incredible display of balance, they had seven players in double figures last night in their 113-91 win over Memphis.

Phoenix still has something to play for as it maneuvers for playoff position in the very competitive (and very confusing) Western Conference. And the Suns have demonstrated some mastery over this opponent, winning eight straight, covering six of the last seven and having substantial advantages in the major statistical categories. Shaquille O'Neal had 16 points and 15 rebounds in the last meeting, a 13-point Phoenix win at the Rose Garden. In that game, Amare Stoudamire also scored 25 points, getting to the line eleven times.

After getting off to a slow start right after Shaq arrived, the Suns have adjusted to his presence and appear to be right on schedule to hit the ground running as the playoffs begin. They've won 14 of 19, and O'Neal has more than 11 rebounds a game over his last 14, and has exceeded 36 minutes in only one game.

Let's lay the points with the Suns, the 12-point favorite in the BetUS NBA basketball betting odds.

JAY'S PLAY: PHOENIX

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!

(Charles Jay of http://www.eBookies.com is a freelance writer and handicapper who not only can make his shots from the top of the key, but also contributes with gusto to the BetUS Locker Room)