The Portland Trail Blazers (10-16) and Phoenix Suns (11-14) continue to fight to get into the playoff picture in the Western Conference. The Blazers were expected to be within the top 8 seeds at this point in the season, but have struggled without size down low with Jusuf Nurkic sidelined. They add Carmelo Anthony to the fold, but that’s only helped sporadically on offense. The Suns have been a surprise team to many under new coach Monty Williams. They’re just outside the 8-seed, though could be without the services of Devin Booker (forearm), who is going to be a game-time decision. This may make betting on the game a little tough, but advantageous nonetheless. Let’s take a look at how to approach the lines on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Trail Blazers vs. Suns betting analysis
Spread: Suns (+1)
Over/Under: 228.5
Money line: Suns (-107), Blazers (-112)
First off, the most logical way to approach the spread is to bank on Devin Booker being out and take the Blazers at -1. Let’s say that Booker was already ruled out, what do you think the spread would be? Most likely the Blazers being favored by more than 1.0 point, right? So that’s one way to approach it right now. The other, of course, is banking on Booker playing for the Suns and taking the points. I lean Portland’s way only because even if Book is able to go, he may be restricted and the wrist/forearm injury is a bit concerning for a shooter.
It’s a high point total, but both the Blazers and Suns rank in the bottom third of the League in points allowed per game. It also helps that the Suns rank 8th and the Blazers are 11th in terms of pace of play. High pace, very little defense, basically a recipe for a high point total. Still, this is a high one to hit but I’m going to lean OVER. Money line we’d approach it similar to what I did with the spread: anticipate the Booker news and try and strike gold.
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