Tonight's game between the New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers has the potential to be an exciting matchup with a lot on the line for both teams. However, there is a major question mark hanging over this game: will Damian Lillard play tonight?
Lillard is currently listed as questionable for the game, and if he is unable to play, it could spell disaster for the Trail Blazers. In this article, we'll dive into the latest news and trends surrounding this game to help you make an informed betting decision.
Find out your best options with our free NBA picks and predictions for the Knicks vs. Trail Blazers on Tuesday, March 14.
Knicks vs Trail Blazers best odds
Knicks vs Trail Blazers picks and predictions
The Knicks have a strong chance of covering the -2.5 spread while securing a win, even without Jalen Brunson on their roster.
Portland hasn't been performing well this season, with a disappointing 17-point loss against the New Orleans Pelicans in their most recent game. Damian Lillard sat out, which obviously impacted the Trail Blazers’ performance. Moreover, Portland's defense is often laughable, ranking 27th in the NBA with a rating of 118.7.
Julius Randle, who is coming off a great performance against Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers, and Portland certainly doesn’t have the strength on defense to slow him down in current form. The Knicks are also getting key contributions on offense from the likes of Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett in Brunson’s absence, and the Blazers just don’t have the firepower to match if Lillard — who has truly done it all for them this season — sits.
While the first game in this matchup on November 25 saw Portland win in overtime, with the Knicks failing to cover the spread by three points, a lot has changed since then, as Portland was three games over .500 at the time, but they have since declined sharply while the Knicks have surged.
In the last 10 games, the Trail Blazers' offense has struggled, scoring only 112.7 points per contest compared to the 114.6 they've averaged throughout the season. On the other hand, the Knicks' offense has been better, averaging 117.6 points per game in their last 10 games compared to the 115.0 they've averaged this season. Portland's defense has also been increasingly suspect, allowing 120.5 points per game in its last 10 games compared to the 115.8 surrendered this year.
All these factors suggest that the Knicks have a good chance of covering the -2.5 spread against the Trail Blazers. Especially with Lillard’s and Jerami Grant’s injury uncertainties, the Knicks are the more rounded team, in better form, and are the safer bet.
My best bet: Knicks -2.5 (-108 at FanDuel)
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Knicks vs Trail Blazers spread analysis
There are several trends that make me believe that the Knicks will cover the -2.5 spread in their game against the Trail Blazers tonight. First, the Knicks have been outstanding following an ATS win, covering in seven of their last eight such games. This indicates that they’ve been able to carry their momentum from one game to the next and continue playing at a high level.
Additionally, the Knicks have been very successful ATS when facing opponents who have scored 100 points or more in their previous game. In their last 12 games in this situation, they have covered the spread in nine of them. This indicates that they are able to adjust their defensive strategy to limit the scoring of high-scoring opponents, which could bode well for them against the Trail Blazers, who, pending Lillard and Grant’s health, have one of the best offenses in the league.
On the other hand, the Trail Blazers have struggled ATS against teams with winning records, covering in only one of their last seven such games.
Knicks vs Trail Blazers Over/Under analysis
The Over/Under for the Knicks and Trail Blazers game tonight is an interesting betting proposition. With a total set at 228 points, there are a number of factors to consider. As mentioned, both of these teams have impressive offenses, and they have shown that they can put up points in a hurry. However, there are also some trends to consider.
One trend to consider is Lillard’s injury status. If he is unable to play tonight, it would likely have a significant impact on the Trail Blazers' offense. Lillard is one of the best players in the league and is the catalyst for much of the Trail Blazers' scoring, at over 32 points and 7 assists per game. Without him and Grant, they’ll struggle to keep up with the Knicks. Additionally, the Under has hit in the Knicks' last four games overall.
Overall, this should be a total to avoid given the uncertainty around the matchup.
Knicks vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know
Under is 4-0 in Knicks’ last four overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Trail Blazers.
Knicks vs Trail Blazers game info
| Location: | Moda Center, Portland, OR |
| Date: | Tuesday, March 14, 2023 |
| Tip-off: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | MSG, ROOT Sports |
