Free NBA Pick: Blazers vs Suns NBA Odds
Looking for Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Suns taking on the Trail Blazers on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Ore. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Hornets Pistons matchup.
(0-0) Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns (0-0)
Date: Wednesday, October 18
Time: 10:00PM EST
Venue: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
NBA Moneyline Odds: OFF
NBA Betting Odds: PDX -1.5
NBA Betting Total: 220
Live NBA Odds
Updated Sportsbook Bonuses For TodayClick here to view… NBA ATS Stats & Expert NBA Betting Insight for this game!
These two teams faced off twice in the preseason, splitting the series 1-1.
Normally, we’d give Portland—a fringe playoff team—the clear edge over a lottery-bound franchise, but Rip Cipty finds itself shorthanded entering Game 1 of the year.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers will be without CJ McCollum in this one. McCollum was suspended by the league for the opening-night contest for leaving the bench during an altercation between Alex Len and rookie Caleb Swanigan during the preseason.
McCollum averaged 23 points per game last season while knocking down 48 percent of his field-goal attempts, 42.1 percent of his long-range shots and a league-best 91.2 percent of his free throws.
Check out the free sports picks from Cappers Picks experts today!
How will the Blazers make up the difference with McCollum off the floor? For starters, Damian Lillard will take on an even more significant role than usual.
Last season, Lillard averaged 27 points per game while collecting 5.9 assists and 4.9 rebounds. In this one, 30-plus points should almost be expected considering the Blazers don’t have too many other scoring options.
[dfads params=’groups=226&limit=1&return_javascript=1′]
One other option Portland will look to utilize, however, is center Jusuf Nurkic.
Although his style of play doesn’t necessarily translate to the run-and-gun game that Phoenix will likely force the Blazers into playing, he’s a competent low-post scorer who can also help create for others with his rebounding and playmaking.
If the Blazers stay disciplined and run a more methodical game than Phoenix wants them to, Nurkic should be a factor.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns aren’t going to win many games this season with their defense. Rookie Josh Jackson will help that cause, but one player alone isn’t going to make this squad a defensive juggernaut.
Check out the free NBA basketball picks from Cappers Picks experts today!
This season, Phoenix is going to try to run teams out of the gym. Guards Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker are big-time scorers, and with McCollum out, there will be less pressure for them to put forth a strong effort on defense.
Whether Portland subs in Evan Turner, Shabazz Napier or Pat Connaughton for McCollum, the Suns can afford to take the night off defensively at that guard spot.
That’s a big deal, as it will allow Phoenix to conserve energy—energy it will put toward wearing down Portland from the opening tip.
NBA Betting Trends:
- Under is 8-2-1 in POR last 11 games as a favorite.
- POR are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games.
- POR are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 vs. NBA Pacific.
- PHO are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 Wed. games.
- Over is 6-2 in PHO last 8 vs. NBA Northwest.
- Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
Free Houston Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns NBA Prediction:
The Portland Trail Blazers are going to be a better team than the Phoenix Suns. There’s really no questioning that this season, barring a significant injury to one of Rip City’s Big Three.
Wednesday night, however, could see the Suns getting off to the hotter start.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Suns +1.5
Between the emotion in the arena of a season-opening home game and the introduction of No. 4 draft pick Josh Jackson, Phoenix will have plenty going for it. Combine that with the fact that McCollum—Portland’s consensus second-best player and arguably best shooter—is out and you have a recipe for Suns success.
Don’t expect this to be a blowout, but don’t be shocked if Phoenix pulls away late.
NBA Free Score Prediction: Phoenix Suns 117 – Portland Trail Blazers 109
If you’re looking for more NBA picks like this Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns matchup we’ll be providing 4* free NBA predictions on the blog during the entire 2017/18 NBA season, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free NBA predictions!
CappersPicks.com has NBA Odds up on a ton of championship futures, and you will also find DAILY NBA lines up as well.