Portland vs Philadelphia Betting!
Blazers set to take on the road
It’s obvious that the Portland Trail Blazers are still playing to win. They currently sit three games behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the 8th and final spot of the Western Conference Playoffs.
Matchup: Portland (31-34) @ Philadelphia 76ers (25-40)
Venue: Wells Fargo Center
Time: 4:00 PM PT
Date: Monday, March 18, 2013
Odds: Phili -1 at Bovada
O/U: 195.5
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The Blazers hope that the City of Brotherly Love can show them some love tonight.
Game Notes/How They Matchup
In a post-game interview following the Knicks game, Damian Lillard had this to say about their playoff chances, “The window of opportunity is still there, but we understand that with every loss it’s closing.
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So it’s important for us to take care of our home court and try to go steal games on the road.”
This is now their time to steal some games on the road. Of the upcoming 5-game road trip, this game against the Philadelphia 76ers is their best chance of doing so. It will be important for them to get off to a good start and build some confidence for this road trip. After getting the first one out of the way, they can bring a “we can do this” mentality with them for the next four games.
Portland is coming into this game with some confidence after winning their past two games by double digits. This game could build their confidence more so and prepare them to make a legitimate playoff run.
Or, they could fall, bringing them back down to earth, as it has happened often this season against these lesser opponents.
As their playoff window closes with every loss, so does their draft pick window with every win. The Charlotte Bobcats own the Blazers 2013 draft pick (top-12 protected). They are in an all or nothing stage by fighting for this last playoff spot. Worst case scenario: they miss playoffs by a few games and miss out on their draft pick with a 13 or 14 due to their record.
What to watch: Portland
This game will set the tone for this road trip. This is a must win for them. The 76ers are the only team of this 5-game trip that has a losing record. These are the games you have to win if you want to be a playoff team. This is what Portland is shooting for – the playoffs. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The 76ers are a much better team defensively than they are offensively. Portland has to match Philadelphia’s defensive intensity early on. You can’t allow a team like this to get easy buckets – you have to make them work for everything.
What to watch: Philadelphia
As most NBA team do, Philadelphia has played a lot better at home this season (19-17 home record to a horrendous 6-23 away record). This is a tough team to beat on their home court.
The 76ers are coming off a 98-91 home win over the Indiana Pacers.
However, they don’t have much of an inside presence. They allowed a total of 43 points to the Pacers’ David West and Roy Hibbert in their last game. Not having Andrew Bynum all season has really hurt their chances of competing. This could easily be a playoff team with him. It will be interesting to see if their front court can contain J.J. Hickson and LaMarcus Aldridge.
Key Matchup
Damian Lillard versus Jrue Holiday.
I love this match-up. I give the slight advantage to Holiday. Holiday rebounds and defends better. These are two bright young point guards that will be leading their respective teams for years to come.
Lillard just ended an 8-game streak of 20 points or more with a 14 point 7 assist performance against the Detroit Pistons. He is having some great performances as of late, breaking through the rookie wall some thought he would hit. This young point guard is having a phenomenal season.
Holiday is having a great season himself. Earlier this season he had a great game against Portland – posting 29 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. He was very active. He really did everything and kept this 76ers team close. Lillard, along with the rest of the Blazers’ backcourt, have to find a way to slow him down in this one. If they can slow him down, it will make their night a lot easier.
Prediction
The Blazers’ frontcourt will prove to be too much for Holiday and the 76ers. Lillard will top it off with another 20 plus point outing.
