One of the highlights of NBA betting on Monday night is a Western Conference heavyweight clash between the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns.
The two teams are separated by one game in the conference standings and are both enjoying strong runs, with each going 8-2 S over their last 10 contests.
These are our best free picks and predictions for Blazers vs. Suns in what should be a fun night of basketball in Phoenix.
Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns betting preview
Injuries
Trail Blazers: C.J. McCollum SG (Out), Jusuf Nurkic C (Out), Zach Collins PF (Out).
Suns: None to report.
Find our latest NBA injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Over is 6-1 in the Suns' last seven games. Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Suns. Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Suns.
NBA sharp money and line movement report
By Patrick EversonPhoenix hit the PointsBet USA odds board as 6-point chalk and poked its head up to -6.5 a couple of times today, and the Suns are at -6.5 as of 6:30 p.m. ET. "Portland is seeing more action at the moment, with 55 percent of bets and 69 percent of handle on the Blazers," PointsBet's Patrick Eichner said. The total stretched from 227.5 to 230 overnight, then dropped as low as 226.5 and is now 227. "The Over is taking 75 percent of bets and 57 percent of handle," Eichner said.
Check out the full line movement for this gameAgainst the spread (ATS) pick
The Suns are on a tear and as they reach the 30-game mark they've clearly established themselves as one of the top units in the West, proving that their impressive bubble play wasn't a mirage.
Phoenix is fourth in the West and only two games behind the Los Angeles Lakers in the Pacific Division, using a strong defensive presence – combined with an offense that's humming lately – to stay competitive almost every night it takes the floor. The Suns have only lost twice in their last 13 games and have gone a perfect 11-0 against the spread in their victories over that stretch to improve to 19-10 ATS on the season. Only the Utah Jazz, who are having one of the greatest ATS seasons of all time, are better at covering.
The Trail Blazers, meanwhile, just had a six-game winning streak snapped in a loss to the Washington Wizards but have been nearly as hot as the Suns. Portland, backed behind Damian Lillard's 30 points per game (third in the NBA), is 10-3 over its last 13 contests and has covered in each of those wins. The Blazers are 16-13 ATS on the season and have done very well, considering the rash of injuries they've dealt with.
While the Blazers aren't the strong two-way squad that Phoenix is, they can run other teams off the court with their 115.7 points-per-game average that ranks third in the NBA. Phoenix might get the SU nod in this one, but the points do seem a little high against a strong Blazers team.
PREDICTION: Blazers +6 (-110)
Over/Under pick
The Blazers' top offense gives a lot back on defense, with the team ranking third-last in the Association in defensive efficiency. They tend to play in high-scoring games, with five of their last six contests hitting the 229-point mark or above, which would get the job done for Over bettors tonight. On the season, Portland is 16-13 O/U.
While the Suns are 14-15 O/U, they've gone Over in six of their last seven games. They're holding opponents to 107.8 points per game – the fourth-best mark in the NBA – and they complement that stingy defense with a well-run offense orchestrated by Chris Paul. The point guard has been excellent in his first season with the Suns, giving them the veteran leader and floor general they needed to take that next step forward. In addition to Paul, the Suns' balanced offense has six other players scoring in double figures, including Devin Booker, who has elevated his game this month and is averaging 24.3 points per game on the season.
One of the big challenges facing Portland will be its proficiency to unload from deep, as the Blazers attempt the most 3-pointers in the NBA but will run into one of the best teams in the league at guarding the long ball. But even if that partially neutralizes 3-point weapon Gary Trent Jr., Lillard will likely still get his, and Booker & Co. could really feast against the Trail Blazers tonight. The Suns should have no problem swapping buckets with Portland until they're forced to clamp down when it matters late.
PREDICTION: Over 227 (-110)
Player prop pick
Booker gets himself a favorable matchup at a time when he's really clicking. The 24-year-old bucket machine is averaging 26.1 points on 51.7/41.7/85.7 percent shooting while contributing 4.5 assists and 4.1 rebounds across 11 games this month.
The slower start he was having is in the rearview mirror, as Booker's not only scoring more—but doing it with better efficiency. And he's distributing more, dishing out at least five assists in five of his last eight games.
In a spot against a Blazers team that doesn't play defense and in a game that could very well be a shootout, Booker's stat page should be filled out by the time this one is done.
PREDICTION: Booker Over 30.5 points + assists (-111)
Trail Blazers vs Suns betting card
- Blazers +6 (-110)
- Over 227 (-110)
- Booker Over 30.5 points + assists (-111)
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