Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers
Tuesday, 11/7/10, 10:00 PM EDT, TV: ESPN
Opening Point Spread: Portland -3
Current Betting Line: Portland -3
Opening Total: 204
Current Total: 204
Phoenix is enjoying a season-high tying three-game win streak that includes a 125-108 win over Washington on Sunday. The Suns are always led by point guard Steve Nash when he is in the lineup and he enjoyed a perfect contest versus the Wizards, going 8 of 8 from the field and made all three of his free-throw attempts to finish with 20 points. “When he’s feeling well, He’s as good as any point guard in the league,” coach Alvin Gentry commented. The two-time MVP is second in the league in averaging 10.4 assists per game this season and he has led the NBA in that category four times in the last six seasons. The team hopes to capitalize on its upcoming schedule by playing four games against sub-.500 teams, including two against the Blazers starting tonight. Phoenix is 9-10 ATS on the season and the NBA lines page has them listed as a road underdog.
The Suns have captured 12 of the last 17 regular season meetings against the Trail Blazers and 16 of the last 23 including the playoffs. Phoenix has also opened the month of December 3-0 for the first time since 2007-08, which is much better than its 0-2 start it suffered the last two seasons to kick off the month. The squad has played solid basketball against Western Conference opponents in the first two months, posting an 8-5 overall mark, which includes a 4-3 record on the road. Offensively, the team has scored 100-plus points in a season-high eight-straight games and the bench has provided at least 23 points in all 20 games this season.
Portland snapped a six-game losing streak with a 100-91 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, but will be suffering a loss tonight with starting point guard Andre Miller serving a one-game suspension. “With everything that has gone on in the last couple weeks…you just know you have to win,” said coach Nate McMillan. “You have to win one and you have to play through it.” The Blazers have a good chance in capturing a second straight win, posting victories in five of the past six regular season meetings with the Suns, including a 106-92 season-opening win on October 26 in the Rose Garden. Portland is 6-6 ATS as a favorite this season and 69-53 ATS in this role the past three years.
The Blazers have won the last four meetings at home in the series and know how important it is defensively to hold the Suns under 100 points. Portland has won all nine of its games this season when holding opponents under the century mark, which is critical when the winning team has scored 100-plus points in 21 of the last 23 regular season games in the series. Rebounding is also a key statistic in determining tonight’s winner, with the Blazers averaging 44.6 rebounds per game in wins and 36.5 rebounds in losses.
Bettors will be interested in the Suns 5-1-1 ATS mark versus the Western Conference, while the Blazers are 4-10-1 ATS after a SU win.
The NBA handicappers at Maddux Sports are enjoying a fantastic season and can’t wait for you to join them tonight!
