The Portland Trail Blazers continue their tough road schedule on Thursday versus the Phoenix Suns in the Valley of the Sun. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Suns-Blazers prediction and pick.
But before we get to the odds, let’s give a brief overview of how both teams are doing. The Trail Blazers are currently 41-29 and 22-13 on the road while the Suns are 48-21 overall and 26-9 on the road. The Blazers, who occupy the fifth seed in the competitive Western Conference, have won five straight. Meanwhile, the Suns have been on a losing slump as of late, dropping their last two games.
This will be the final matchup between both teams this season. The Suns have won both games in the series so the most important factor on Friday’s game is more or less both team’s seeding. If the Blazers win, they can potentially stay in fifth place of the Western Conference while a Suns third straight loss can put them in jeopardy of losing the second seed.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening for Blazers versus Suns.
NBA Odds: Blazers-Suns Odds
Portland Trail Blazers: +3 (-110)
Phoenix Suns: -3 (-119)
Over 236½ (-110)
Under 236½ (-110)
Why the Suns could cover the spread
Despite losing to the Golden State Warriors last Tuesday, the Suns got efficient contributions from shooting guard Devin Booker, who had 34 points along with seven rebounds. Jae Crowder, who has been an impressive pick up for the Suns, had 20 points while Chris Paul had 24 points. If these three can score this much against the Warriors improved defense then chances are they’ll do even better against the Blazers—who are ranked 29 in defensive rating in the league.
Unless they want to avoid a potential first round series versus the Los Angeles Lakers, the Suns have to snap their losing streak. They've barely had a losing streak this season so it could be time for Paul and Booker to step up and bring the Suns' winning mojo back.
Why the Blazers could cover the spread
The Blazers are one of the hottest teams right now just in time for the postseason. Damian Lillard has finally found his rhythm, scoring 30 points along with six assists on Thursday’s victory versus the Utah Jazz. CJ McCollum meanwhile added 26 points while Carmelo Anthony had 18 points off the bench. The Blazers’ hot scoring can help them win their sixth straight game versus the Suns.
It’s also important to note that Suns center Deandre Ayton is questionable for Friday’s game due to left knee soreness. If ever Ayton does not play, it could be the night of Jusuf Nurkic and Enes Kanter.
Final Suns-Blazers Prediction and Pick
Thursday’s matchup between the Blazers and the Suns is going to be a battle between two elite backcourt players. Considering the Blazers are on a second night of a back-to-back, the Suns could run away with this one. The Suns should snag this one versus the Blazers in order to get their winning mojo back just in time for the playoffs. It’s only fitting that Paul and Booker score lights out versus the Blazers’ poor defense in a high scoring game.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION & PICK FOR SUNS-BLAZERS: PHX 130, POR 125 (PHX +3)
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