A pair of rebuilding NBA teams face off on the West Coast tonight as the Portland Trail Blazers host the Toronto Raptors. The Raps have been struggling but are 2.5-point favorites against a Blazers team that has the second-worst record in the league.
You probably have to be a fan of one of these teams if you plan on tuning into this one, but there are still some good betting opportunities available in the NBA odds. Without further ado, here are my best free NBA picks and predictions for Raptors vs. Trail Blazers on Saturday, March 9.
Raptors vs Trail Blazers odds
Raptors vs Trail Blazers predictions
Not only are both of these teams terrible but they are also decimated by injuries.
The Portland Blazers are missing starting center Deandre Ayton and his backup Robert Williams III, along with Malcolm Brogdon, Scoot Henderson, and Shaedon Sharpe. Second-leading scorer Jerami Grant will also be a game-time decision.
The Toronto Raptors are without starting center Jakob Poeltl, star forward Scottie Barnes, and the versatile three-and-D wing, Bruce Brown. Barnes is the biggest loss since he's second on the team in points (19.9), assists (6.1), and rebounds per game (8.2).
However, the absence of Barnes should mean a higher usage rate for RJ Barrett, who has averaged 20.6 points per game since being acquired by Toronto. Barrett has scored at least 23 points in six of his last eight games and looks poised for another productive performance tonight.
It's not exactly surprising that a godawful Blazers team would be terrible defensively, but they've been especially bad at defending the areas Barrett prefers to attack. Portland is dead-last in the league in efficiency at defending the rim and transition per ShotQualityBets.
The Blazers also allow plenty of shots in those areas, ranking in the Top 3 of the NBA in defensive frequency. Barrett attacks the rim at a high frequency, sitting in the top 85th percentile of the Association, and he ranks eighth in the league in transition points per game (6.5).
Back Barrett to go Over his points total tonight.
My best bet: R.J. Barrett Over 21.5 points (-125 at PointsBet)
Raptors vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay
RJ Barrett Over 21.5 points
Under 227
Raptors moneyline
It might seem counter-intuitive to take the Over on Barrett's points total and the Under on the game total, but it actually makes plenty of sense and creates a nice multiplier in this SGP. Keep in mind that the Raps are averaging just 106.8 ppg in their last four games and are sans both Barnes and Poetl.
As bad as the Blazers are defensively, they are better on that side of the floor than on offense, where they average just 107.8 ppg. Considering that Portland is without four key scorers and could be missing another if Grant sits out for the second straight night, this total is way too high.
The Raptors should ultimately be able to beat a Blazers team that is just 2-12 in its last 14 games and is playing on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Raptors vs Trail Blazers spread and Over/Under analysis
The Raps opened as 1.5-point road favorites with the Over/Under at 224. Money has come in on Toronto and the Over, shifting the line to as high as -3 with the total moving to 227.
It's been a rough season for the Raptors, who traded away two of their best players near the midway point of the season and lost Barnes to a hand injury last week. They are just 10-21 on the road but have gone 16-14-1 against the spread. In their last game, they lost 120-113 in Phoenix but managed to cover as 10.5-point underdogs.
The Blazers have the second-worst record in the NBA at 17-45 and are fresh off a 16-point loss at home against the Rockets last night. They are 2-12 straight up in their last 14 games but have managed to cover in four of their last five.
Raptors vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know
The Blazers are 13-27 ATS in their last 40 games at home (-16.65 Units / -38% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Trail Blazers.
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Raptors vs Trail Blazers game info
| Location: | Moda Center, Portland, OR |
| Date: | Saturday, March 9, 2024 |
| Tip-off: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN4, Root Sports |
Raptors vs Trail Blazers latest injuries
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