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Brooklyn Nets vs. Portland Trail Blazers Gambling & NBA Handicapping Prediction

Brooklyn vs Portland NBA Betting Odds

The Portland Trail Blazers may be without three-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge, but Damian Lillard has picked up his production as a result following the All-Star Break. Portland, who owns the sixth-best record in the NBA, will host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. [ad-4468020]

Brooklyn (26-28) @ Portland (39-18)
Wednesday, Feb. 26 10:00 PM ET @ Moda Center
Spread: PDX -2.5
O/U: 206
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Brooklyn, who is currently sixth out East, is riding a one-game winning streak, while the Blazers have won their last three. Portland and Brooklyn will face off at the Moda Center at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Nets have not been the team we expected them to be this season, but a resurgence after the New Year has got them back in the top eight out East and eyeing the playoffs. Unfortunately for them, this game will be tough to scout, as we don’t know if Aldridge will be back in the lineup or not after a one-week evaluation for a sore groin.

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Whether the big man is in the lineup or not, we know this: Brooklyn better be ready for Damian Lillard. The point guard is on an absolute tear right now, and he’s not afraid to make defenses pay for giving him space both at the rim and beyond the three-point line.

Speaking of the three-point line, Portland continues to find its identity as a jump-shooting roster. That can cause problems in the playoffs, as an off game here and there can alter the course of a series; however, in the regular season, it’s easier to fight back in an up-tempo battle, so slowing down the pace and making this a half-court game will be essential for Brooklyn if it hopes to come out on top.
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Portland

If Aldridge is out, Lillard will need another scorer to step up behind Wesley Matthews. Matthews is a great third option on most nights, but when he’s forced to be Option B instead of Option C, the team needs a third body to help put the ball in the basket.

Against the Nets, expect that to be Nicolas Batum. The swingman, like most other perimeter players on this roster, can spread the floor with his deep-range shot, but against the elder roster Brooklyn will run, utilizing backdoor cuts—as well a screen-and-rolls—will help diversify the offense.

Aside from Aldridge’s participation, the other variable is the health of Thomas Robinson. Portland is already short Aldridge, Joel Freeland and Meyers Leonard, and following the Blazers’ matchup Tuesday with Denver, it’s uncertain if a left patella tendon strain will keep him off the floor.

If Robinson is out, expect the Blazers to get creative with their lineups. Victor Claver and Dorell Wright will likely see time as bigs, while Will Barton comes in and plays the backup 3.

Then again, if Robinson can play, the team should be up to speed with its current rotation, giving the Blazers a big edge.

Prediction: Portland 105 – Brooklyn 94

By Cappers Picks

Articles on CappersPicks.com are written by Q (the Head Honcho) at Cappers Picks or by our resident "in house" handicapper Razor Ray Monohan! Enjoy the free picks folks! "Pad that bankroll one day at a time!"