Lillard’s Return Set to Boost Struggling Trail Blazers Offense

The Portland Trail Blazers and Philadelphia 76ers have both struggled to find their footing of late, and a return to action on Thursday presents a great opportunity for each squad to get back on the right track.

Sportsbook opened the Trail Blazers as 3-point home favorites with a total of 207.5.

Shark Bites
  • The 76ers are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games as an underdog of 3.0 or less.
  • The total has gone OVER in five of the 76ers’ last seven games with a closing total of 208.0 or more.
  • The Trail Blazers are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games.

Portland managed to end a four-game losing streak with a 95-92 triumph over the L.A. Lakers on Saturday but failed to reach the 100-point mark for the fifth time in the last six games. The Blazers have played their last two without Damian Lillard, but got 21 points from backup Shabazz Napier and held the Lakers to 43 points in the second half. Lillard is expected to play tonight.

Heading into their Christmas Day game vs the New York Knicks, the 76ers had dropped five straight and nine of 10 but topped the Knicks 105-98 in the big matchup. Simply put, this is a different team with star center Joel Embiid, and the big man collected 25 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks in the win over the Knicks. Embiid scored 28 points in a 101-81 home win over Portland on November 22.

Philadelphia has traditionally struggled mightily when traveling to Oregon, evidenced by the 76ers going 1-6 SU in their last seven trips to Portland.

Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick

Those looking to pick the visitors as their prediction to cover in this one found the Philadelphia 76ers listed as 2.5-point underdogs earlier at Sportsbook. Meanwhile, the OVER/UNDER total betting line for this game was set at 210 at Sportsbook but may have moved since the betting odds opened.

OddsShark prediction models pick the 76ers to win this game 105-104. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Portland Trail Blazers Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

The Portland Trail Blazers currently sport a record of 17-16, and have posted a corresponding betting slate of 16-15-2 ATS. The Philadelphia 76ers are 15-18 and 17-15-1 ATS. Betting totals have seen the Trail Blazers post a 9-24 OVER/UNDER record this season, while the 76ers have gone 17-16 against the total number of points scored. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Portland vs Philadelphia injuries news.

This game pits the Trail Blazers, currently No. 21 in the OddsShark NBA Power Rankings, against the 76ers, who rate No. 14 in the most recent survey update.

Statistical Matchup

The game also pits Portland's No. 23-ranked offense averaging 101.67 PPG, against a Philadelphia 76ers defense that ranks No. 25 at 108.85 PPG. The Trail Blazers field goal percentage has averaged 44.29% so far, less than the 76ers shooters have achieved on the year, 45.68% per game.

Recent Outings Betting Recap

New York was victimized for 25 points and 16 rebounds by Joel Embiid as the 76ers defeated the Knicks 105-98 in NBA action on Monday.

The Trail Blazers grabbed a 95-92 win over the Lakers on Saturday, behind a 22-point effort from Maurice Harkless at Staples Center.

Betting Trends
  • Philadelphia is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
  • Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
  • Philadelphia is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
  • Philadelphia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
  • Portland is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
  • Portland is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
  • The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Portland's last 8 games
  • Portland is 1-5-2 ATS in its last 8 games at home

Next Betting Matchups

Philadelphia at Denver, Saturday, December 30
Portland at Atlanta, Saturday, December 30

The 76ers are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games as an underdog of 3.0 or less.away The total has gone OVER in five of the 76ers’ last seven games with a closing total of 208.0 or more.away The Trail Blazers are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games.home
Back to Top