Those betting on NBA games know that defense has been the ticket of success for the Portland Trailblazers. Portland struggles at times with an offense that can lack scoring depth. If the Blazers are to reach the playoffs it will be their defense that gets them there. All star guard Damian Lillard has born the brunt of carrying Portland’s scoring needs. Lillard is a key asset to the team . But eventually scoring depth cannot be hidden. It has been 14 years since the Minnesota Timberwolves made the playoffs. Fortunately, All Star Jimmy Butler has triggered an end to Minnesota’s misery.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Portland Trailblazers
Date and Time: Thursday, March 1 2018, 10:30 p.m. Eastern
Location: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timberwolves | +4½ (-110) | 218 (-110) |  |
| Trailblazers | -4½ (-110) | 218 (-110) | |
| |||
Timberwolves vs. Trailblazers TV Coverage: TNT
Timberwolves
Value as of late and on the road has been a challenge for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Most noteworthy is their six Betting on NBA Games losses vs. the odds in their last eight games. Over the total has soared in eight out of Minnesota’s last nine games. Away from home the Wolves have just 14 payouts in 32 games. Offense has been the strength for Minnesota. With 110 points per game the Wolves rank sixth best inn the NBA. Jimmy Butler is their leading scorer with 22.2 points per game. Acquired from Chicago, Butler is the catalyst for Minnesota’s renaissance.
Trailblazers
Conversely the Portland Trailblazers have covered five of their last seven games. Additionally, they have lost just 13 of 29 home games with the spread. Four overs in their last six games have also paid out. Opposite of Minnesota is that the Blazers use defense as the foundation of their success. Especially relevant is the NBA ranking of seventh for points allowed. Head coach Terry Stotts has done a remarkable job in stabilizing Portland. Due to his emphasis on defense the Blazers have an identity once again.
Damian Lillard triggers the Portland attack. Coming off his third All Star Game in four years he has 26.3 points and 6.6 assists per game. Lillard had 26 points and 12 assists in Portland’s 116-99 payout over Sacramento. Most important of all, it was the Blazers fourth straight win. Momentum is on their side heading into this matchup with Minnesota. In addition, Lillard brings just enough offense to compliment the strong Portland defense.
Team vs. Team
Head to head Portland has dominated this sportsbook series. Minnesota has paid out in just three of their last 12 against the Blazers. Four of the last five between the Wolves and Portland have gone over the total. Most noteworthy is that Minnesota has just two payouts in their last 12 visits to Portland. Over the total has paid just once in the last nine between these teams at Moda Center.
Matchup to Watch
Seems like Portland’s head to head Betting on NBA Games success against Minnesota is hard to ignore. Furthermore, the Wolves defense is weak enough where Lillard and the Blazers can find potential success.
Timberwolves vs. Trailblazers NBA games Betting Odds Picks
In conclusion Portland’s dominant numbers in this series cannot be ignored. Add to that Minnesota’s road woes and the Blazers look even better. Due to that Portland is the pick.
NBA Betting Online Pick: Portland Trailblazers
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Trailblazers 104, Wolves 92
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