Free NBA Pick: Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers NBA Odds
Looking for New Orleans Pelicans vs. Portland Trail Blazers free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Pelicans taking on the Trail Blazers on Tuesday, March 16th at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Pelicans Trail Blazers matchup.
2021 NBA Handicapping
(17-22) New Orleans Pelicans vs. Portland Trail Blazers (22-16)
Date: Tuesday, March 16th
Time: 10:00 PM EST
Venue: Moda Center, Portland, OR.
NBA Moneyline Odds: Pelicans -105 | Blazers -120
NBA Betting Odds: Blazers -1.5
NBA Betting Total: O/U 239.5
On Tuesday, March 16th the New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers will meet for the second time this season. Portland won the initial match on February 17th by a score of 125-124.
The Trail Blazers hold the all-time record between the clubs with 34 wins in 63 meetings. Last season, the teams played on four occasions with New Orleans sweeping the series.
New Orleans Pelicans
The past week featured an embarrassing 30 point differential loss to the last place Timberwolves that elicited an angry response from Stan Van Gundy citing effort and the absence of defensive intensity.
His young Pelicans team responded with a 116-82 rout of the Cavaliers followed up with an even more impressive 135-115 oust of the Clippers.
The question is whether the Pelicans can do something they’ve done just once this season — win three games in-a-row. During the mini two-game win streak Zion Williamson has averaged 25 points, four rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
Over the same period, Brandon Ingram has averaged 25.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting 50 percent from the perimeter on 6.0 attempts per game.
Other players factoring during this run are Lonzo Ball shooting 46.2 percent from deep and Steven Adams who is averaging just shy of a double-double with 9.5 points and 12.5 rebounds.
J.J. Redick had a “nonsurgical” medical procedure to his ailing heel on March 11th with a timeline of a week to return to action.
Portland Trail Blazers
If the Blazers were told CJ McCollum, Jusuf Nurkic, and Zach Collins would simultaneously be out 25 games and remain .500 or better they’d probably view that as a positive result.
Portland accomplished that with a 14-11 record although six losses in their last 10 games signal fatigue setting in. Reports advise Nurkic will return in two weeks (month end) but uncertainty regarding Collins return timeline persists.
However, the Blazers are getting a shot in the arm Tuesday as McCollum confirmed he’ll play versus the Pelicans. His presence will be huge, especially for Damian Lillard who has needed several ‘Dame time’ clutch buckets to cement victories.
Aside from adding another primary scoring option, McCollum’s presence will afford Terry Stotts the option of resting Lillard longer so he doesn’t wear out.
And, if Portland can retain their sixth seed or better yet, stay within striking distance of the home court seeds until Nurkic is back they could close the season strong building momentum into mid-May and the playoffs.
Harry Giles (calf) is questionable. Nurkic (wrist), and Zach Collins (medial malleolus stress fracture to his ankle) are out.
NBA Betting Trends:
- The Blazers are 7-3 in the teams last 10 head to head meetings
- The Suns are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 head to head meetings
- Over/Under is 6-4 in the teams last 10 head to head meetings
Free New Orleans Pelicans vs. Portland Trail Blazers NBA Prediction:
.This matchup features extremes on both sides with the Pelicans boasting the seventh-ranked offense but 28th ranked defense giving up as many points as they score. Their rebounding is top-notch ranking third overall but first on the offensive glass.
The Blazers have an even wider margin ranking sixth offensively and 29th defensively, albeit the trio of core players out has affected their stats. Two areas the Blazers dominate is second-fewest turnovers and second-most 3-pointers scored per game.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Blazers ATS
.McCollum’s return will provide the lift and psychological advantage.
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