The Brooklyn Nets taking on the Portland Trail Blazers is a matchup only NBA bettors could love.
The Nets have lost eight of their last nine games, which includes a 134-127 overtime decision to this same Trail Blazers team just 10 days ago.
The Blazers have fared no better with that win being the only win in their last eight games.
Which team has the best shot to end their losing streak? Well, the NBA odds like the Nets' chances, setting them as 6.5-point road favorites.
Can you trust a team that has covered just two spreads in its last 16 games? I break down this, um, interesting matchup and bring you the best bet in my NBA picks and predictions for Nets vs. Trail Blazers.
Nets vs Trail Blazers odds
Nets vs Trail Blazers predictions
It is a tough time to be a fan of either the Brooklyn Nets or the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Nets have won just three of their last 16 games, going 2-13-1 against the spread in the process. Not that things are much better for the Blazers. They have just 10 wins this season and are 1-7 SU and 2-6 ATS over their last eight.
Now, despite losing a high-scoring matchup when these teams met 10 days ago, I would still call the Nets the better team in this matchup.
Brooklyn ranks 17th in offensive rating, 21st in defensive rating, and 22nd in net rating. Portland ranks 30th, 23rd, and 28th respectively in those categories.
One of my favorite edges the Nets have in this matchup is in the paint with Nic Claxton. The Nets center is averaging 12.1 points and 10 rebounds per game this season and he’s been on a bit of a heater lately upping those numbers to 13.4 and 11.5 over his last eight games.
Coincidentally, the Trail Blazers have been getting killed on the inside. They rank 25th in rebounding rate and surrender the third-most points in the paint per game. Claxton went for 16 and 11 in the last meeting against the Blazers.
Now, they are getting Deandre Ayton back for this matchup, but you can expect a minutes restriction after missing the last 11 games with a knee injury.
I think Claxton gets another double-double tonight, but that’s juiced to -200 at some shops. Instead, I’ll take the Over 12.5 points.
That Blazers rebounding rate can hurt them on the offensive glass, so look for Claxton to get a couple of putbacks to help him eclipse this number. Something he has done four times in the last seven games and our Covers Prop Projections has Claxton at 14 points for tonight's matchup.
My best bet: Nic Claxton Over 12.5 points (-120 at bet365)
Nets vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay
In addition to Claxton going Over 12.5 points, I believe Claxton will record another double-double tonight as well.
Claxton has recorded 13 double-doubles this season and seven in his last nine games. So, let’s add him to record 10+ rebounds tonight. Claxton has hauled down double-digit boards in eight of his last nine games, averaging 11.4 over that stretch.
While both teams are playing poorly, and the Trail Blazers had an offensive outburst vs. the Nets last time out, that is definitely not the norm. Portland ranks dead last in the NBA when it comes to offensive rating and effective field goal percentage.
The Blazers have landed below 100 points five times in the last eight games. Let’s get crazy and bet on that happening again tonight. Take them Under their alt team total of 100.5.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best NBA bonuses
All Users
Hawks, Jazz, Nets all win
+266 BOOSTED to +320! Claim Now
All Users
50% boost for one
3+ leg NBA parlay! Claim Now
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Nets vs Trail Blazers spread and Over/Under analysis
The Trail Blazers opened this matchup as 6-point home underdogs and it’s the Nets starting to see the early action with the line moving to 6.5 with some 7s starting to pop up on the board.
In the Jan. 7 meeting, the Nets closed as 9.5-point favorites. They did not cover that spread, losing in overtime but a poor fourth quarter where the Blazers outscored them by eight points led to the OT loss.
Clearly, both teams have been a bad bet lately. You never know what you’re going to get from the Blazers in terms of scoring, but the numbers say they are bad at it. Laying that many points with a team with two covers since Dec. 14 seems iffy. I’m staying away from the spread.
Meanwhile, the total hit the board at 223 and has been bet down to 221.5. Early bettors have not been fooled by that recent meeting that went Over a total of 226. I think it’s unlikely that both teams put up a similar are able to replicate that high-scoring performance from 10 days ago. I would agree with the early money and lean Under.
🕒Vermont: Sports betting is here!🕒
Vermont sports betting launched on January 11 — register now with our best Vermont sports betting apps as well as checking out the best Vermont sportsbook promos in the Green Mountain State!
21+ and present in VT. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Nets vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know
The Trail Blazers have scored fewer than 100 points five times in their last eight games. The Under is 5-3 over that stretch. Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Jazz.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Nets vs Trail Blazers game info
Location: | Moda Center, Portland, OR |
Date: | Wednesday, January 17, 2024 |
Tip-off: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
TV: | ROOT SPORTS/ROOT SPORTS Plus, YES |
Warriors vs Jazz latest injuries
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.