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The NBA has finally returned, and fans couldn't have asked for a better night of games. The Sacramento Kings will travel to take on the Portland Trail Blazers. This Western Conference battle will set the tone for the rest of the season and should be an exciting matchup, get ready because basketball is back! It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Blazers-Kings prediction and pick.
These teams had different seasons last year. Portland won 42 games and notched 6th place in the Western Conference. Sacramento won 31 games and were 12th in the west. However, both of these teams have reasons to be optimistic this season.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the line for Wednesday night's matchup.
NBA Odds: Blazers-Kings Odds
Blazers: -6.5 (-108)
Kings: +6.5 (-112)
Over: 234.5 (-110)
Under: 234.5 (-110)
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Why The Blazers Could Cover The Spread
The Blazers have consistently been one of the best teams in the West. They are competitive every season and have made the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons. While they came up short in the first round, they will be ready to start their journey again against the Kings. The Blazers were limited by injuries last season. After a full offseason, the team has returned to full health and is ready to take on any opponent.
Leading the way for this Portland team is Damian Lillard. There were lots of talks about Lillard's possible departure from Portland. However, Dame has made it clear that he is here to stay. Entering his tenth season, the All-Star point guard has been at the top of his game. Lillard has averaged around 30 points and 8 assists for the last two seasons. He dominates opponents and is one of the best players in the league. With the affirmation of him staying a Blazer, Portland fans should feel great about this season.
By Dame's side is CJ McCollum. The duo has been together since the 2013 season and their chemistry is evident. They are one of the best backcourts in the league. McCollum has truly come into his own as a star. He was averaging a career-high 23.1 points per game before an injury kept him out of 25 games last season. McCollum is an elite scorer and a great complementary piece to Dame. Together these two are hard to stop, and on opening night at home they will look to start the season off strong.
Why The Kings Could Cover The Spread
Sacramento is a young team that, when healthy, can compete with some of the best teams in the NBA. Last season they may have only won 31 games, but some of those victories came against tough opponents. The Kings took down the Nuggets, the Suns, and the Lakers at different times. Ultimately, injuries would force them to become less competitive. This fresh start of a season means a clean slate and a new opportunity for Sacramento to grow into a playoff contender.
The two best players on this young Sacramento team are De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton, who profile to be the future of the franchise. Both will be poised for big years in 2021-22.
De'Aaron Fox has emerged as the star and leader of the Kings. He had the best season of his career last year. He is an athletic beast who can score anywhere on the court. He elevates the level of play of his teammates by forcing opposing defenses to play off balance. Fox will have a huge impact on this match-up.
As for Haliburton, he showed a ton of promise in his rookie season and just felt short of winning ROTY to LaMelo Ball. The former Iowa State standout averaged 13 points and 5.3 assists while proving to be a constant threat from downtown, shooting 40%. Expect big strides in Year Two.
Final Blazers-Kings Prediction & Pick
This is going to be a good game. Both of these rosters are finally healthy and will be able to compete at a high level. Portland should be able to emerge victorious. The Blazers big three of Dame, CJ, and Nurkic is just much more experienced than the Kings' main guys. Fox, Haliburton, and Buddy Hield are great players and are definitely poised to develop into a dominant trio. However, for a season opener, bet on experience. The over isn't a bad bet here either, both teams have very good offenses and buckets should be pouring in. But it's hard to bet against Dame and you shouldn't. Pick the Blazers to win and cover.
FINAL PICK: Portland Trail Blazers -6.5 (-108)
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Blazers 120 – Kings 110
