Posted on
3/11/2008 4:54:24 PM
Basketball Wagering Odds - Portland Trailblazers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
By Eric Williams
The Portland Trailblazers, (33-31 SU, 33-31 ATS, 26-37-1 O/U), are trying to close their fine regular season with a strong finishing kick while holding on to their slim playoff hopes in the competitive western conference.
The Blazers, however, are trying to regain their consistency after deal with the injury bug and losing their collective way. They have lost six times in their last ten games including Monday, when they lost on the road to the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James 88-80 despite a solid defensive effort.
The Cavaliers held the Blazers to just 55 points over the game’s final three quarters.
"Their defense tightened up and we couldn't score," said Blazers head coach Nate McMillan. "You can't turn the ball over or come down with as many empty trips as we did in the second half."
Portland has however, covered the spread for bettors more often than not in the BetUS.com Sportsbook and has covered the spread in six of their last ten games despite their on-court struggles.
While the young Blazers are undoubtedly headed in the right direction, the even younger Minnesota Timberwolves, (14-48 SU, 30-32 ATS, 25-35 O/U), most certainly are not – though they come into this game having won the last two times out.
The T-Wolves have dropped seven of their last ten games, but recorded a close 99-96 road win over the equally dismal Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday and 111-103 victory over the Sacramento Kings last Friday.
"We haven't been playing real well on the road, so to get these two wins on the West Coast is big," said Al Jefferson, who had 30 points and 12 rebounds against the Clippers.
Minnesota is a respectable 5-5 against the spread in its last ten and has covered the spread in two straight.
"Two wins back-to-back - it's little goals that we're setting for ourselves. That is what we are trying to strive for," Wittman said. "When you are in our position, with a lot of young guys, you are trying to teach them what it takes. And they are responding."
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my NBA Gambling Free Picks:
The Trail Blazers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
The Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.
The Timberwolves are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Tuesday games.
The Timberwolves are 17-35 ATS in their last 52 home games.
The Under is 5-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
The Under is 4-0 in Timberwolves last 4 games playing on 2 days rest.
The Trail Blazers are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
The Trail Blazers are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Minnesota.
Analysis: While the Blazers are the better team here, I’m going to go with the Minnesota Timberwolves to win this game and cover the spread as home underdogs tonight. I fully expect the Wolves to come out with a very solid effort tonight as they are in search of their first three-game winning streak all season. I also really like the ‘Over’ for this matchup and think that may be an even better bet for this matchup.
NBA Free Picks: Over 189 Total Points/Minnesota + 1½ Points
08:05 PM EST NBA Lines
Portland Trailblazers -1½ -110
Minnesota Timberwolves +1½ -110
Over 189½ -110
Under 189½ -110
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