Phoenix Suns (13-12) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (6-17)
The Phoenix Suns take on the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night in an interconference showdown. The Suns have struggled lately, losing four of their last five games to fall to 13-12 on the season. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers have won two of their last five contests but still sit near the bottom of the West at 6-17. With both teams needing a win, this should be a competitive matchup. Our NBA betting picks suggest taking the points at home with the Blazers.
As for the Suns, their overall record this season has been varied. They’ve averaged 115.4 points per game with an impressive field goal percentage of 47.4% and 3-point shooting at 38.2% which has played an instrumental role in their offensive strategy. Their road performance has been relatively stronger with 6-5 against the spread away games; however, their recent form (1-4 in their last 5 games) raises serious concerns regarding consistency that could become crucial against Trail Blazers.
On the other side of things, Portland Trail Blazers have experienced their share of challenges this season, scoring an average of 106.8 points per game with an efficiency rating of only 43.2% on offense compared to Suns. But their ability to outshout expectations indicates otherwise; 8-5 record in road games shows resilience against spread betting indicates potential outperformance; recent performance, 2-3 over 5 games suggests signs of improvement and could make life tough for Suns fans.
Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Moda Center at the Rose Quarter |
| TV: | ROOT Sports NW |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Kevin Durant PF vs. Anfernee Simons SG
Kevin Durant has been as advertised since joining the Suns, averaging 30.7 PPG along with 6.3 RPG and 5.6 APG. However, he’s had to take on even more responsibility with Phoenix’s recent injury issues. Durant’s scoring and playmaking abilities make him a matchup nightmare, but increased defensive attention could cause inefficient performances.
Anfernee Simons has done an admirable job stepping up, posting 24.6 PPG and 5.2 APG this year. While not yet an elite shot creator, Simons is lethal from three and thrives in catch-and-shoot situations. He may struggle to match Durant’s raw production but offers solid value given Portland’s +300 ML price.
Durant and Simons are likely to trade big shot after big shot in this matchup. While Durant boasts the overall edge in skill, Simons’ quick-trigger from deep helps balance this duel. Expect both players to easily clear 20+ points while looking to ignite runs for their respective squads. The outcome could hinge on which star guard avoids cold shooting stretches down the stretch.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds and point spread for this game are yet to be determined. However, given the Suns’ slightly better record and offensive stats, they may be the favorites. Bettors should monitor these odds closely as they offer valuable insights into the expected dynamics of the game.
Phoenix Suns Betting Trends
The Suns are just 1-4 SU and 0-5 ATS over their last five contests. Surprisingly, Phoenix’s offense hasn’t been the main issue during this slide. The Suns are averaging 113.4 PPG over the span but allowing a dreadful 120.8 PPG on 49.3% opponent shooting.Phoenix’s scoring efficiency remains solid, including 37.9% from three over the last five games. However, the Suns must rediscover their early-season defensive identity to turn things around.
Portland Trail Blazers Betting Trends
Portland has gone 2-3 SU and 3-2 ATS over its past five matchups as it continues to battle inconsistency. The Blazers followed up a five-game slide by winning two of their next three, offering a glimpse into this group’s potential. Surprisingly, Portland’s defense has led the way recently. The Blazers have held four of their last five opponents under 110 points while forcing 15.6 turnovers per game.
Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers 12/19/23 Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ performance and recent trends, this game appears to be closely contested. The Suns, with their potent offense led by Durant, have the edge. However, the Trail Blazers, showing signs of improvement and with Simons at the helm, could surprise.
For bettors, this game presents several interesting angles. While the Suns might be the safer pick, the Trail Blazers’ recent upswing and strong performance against the spread make them a tempting underdog bet. Additionally, considering the offensive strengths of both teams, the over/under bet could be compelling. Bettors looking for the best online casino and betting platforms will find this matchup particularly enticing.
