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Free Pick: Portland vs. Cleveland NBA Lines & Handicapping Preview

NBA Betting? Celtics vs Blazers Predictions

NBA betting action sees the Portland Trail Blazers taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Cappers Picks provides free NBA handicapping tips all season long.

2015 NBA Picks

Portland Trail Blazers (32-13) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (26-20)
Wednesday, Jan. 28
7:00 p.m. ET
Quicken Loans Arena
TV: Local
NBA Betting Lines: Cavs -5.5 
NBA Betting Total: 205
***2015 NBA BONUSES***
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Click here to view… NBA ATS Stats & Expert NBA Betting Insight!

Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers had the luxury of playing the Cleveland Cavaliers toward the beginning of the season before the new-look Cavs had a chance to jell. Now they have the unfortunate luxury of playing them when they’re starting to click.

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Furthermore, the Blazers are dealing with injuries. Not only are Robin Lopez and Joel Freeland still out, but Nicolas Batum is questionable. Then there’s LaMarcus Aldridge. The three-time All-Star (soon to be four-time All-Star) is dealing with a torn ligament in his left thumb. He shocked the league by opting to hold off surgery, which means he’ll be in the lineup as long as the pain is tolerable. The latter part of that sentence, however, isn’t worth ignoring, as he is dealing with pain that could impact his performance down the road.

Despite all the injuries, Portland has played extremely well this season. In fact, it’s only lost by seven points or more seven times this season. Why is that important? The spread is currently set at 6.5 points in Cleveland favor.

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Look for the Blazers to keep this one close on the road against an elite opponent.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers are clicking, which is good news for fans in Northeast Ohio and bad news for critics. LeBron James is healthy, and he’s coming off a performance that saw him and Kyrie Irving combine for 70 points against the Detroit Pistons.

Entering this contest, the Cavs have won their last seven by an average of 13.8 points. They’re going up against a Portland team that is seventh in points scored (103.0) and fifth in points allowed (97.2) this season.

Since returning from injury, James is averaging 30.5 points over eight games.

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Fun fact: Cleveland has won 20 of its last 25 with James on the court.

NBA Handicapping Trends:

  •  Cavaliers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite.
  • Cavaliers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games.
  • Cavaliers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
  • Trail Blazers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

4* NBA Prediction: Portland +6.5

Recent betting trends will lead you to believe Cleveland has this one in the bag. However, there’s one thing to consider that won’t be in any trend.

Portland hasn’t played since Saturday, while the Cavs had a contest with the Detroit Pistons less than 24 hours prior to tipoff.

With the Blazers rested, look for this one to stay close at the conclusion. The Blazers haven’t lost a game by more than five points since Jan. 16, and that trend should continue in this one.

Check out our Updated NBA Betting Odds.

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By PDX PIX

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