There’s a good one set to go down in the April 13th Celtics at Trail Blazers matchup with Portland just a -1 point favorite on Tuesday night. This one could go either way, as Boston has churned out three wins in a row, and have come out on top in five of their last six.
The ‘Blazers have value too though, not necessarily because of recent play as they’ve lost 4 of 6, but by boasting a 16-11 record at the Moda Center this season. In all honesty, this one looks like a big Boston win at first glance, which actually also benefits Portland with the spread set at just 1 point.
Boston Moving in Right Direction
The Celtics went through kind of a free fall, when they dropped into the 8 seed in the East over the last few weeks, but seem to have worked out those kinks. Boston has played well with wins in 5 of the last 6, most recently a 105-87 victory in Denver as +3.5 underdogs.
The road win over the Nuggets is what makes Boston look good heading into the April 13th Celtics at Trail Blazers pick. It would’ve been easy for Brad Stevens’ squad to lay an egg playing in their first road game after being at home for the previous 7. Instead, Boston held Nikola Jokic to just 17 points (also 10 rebounds and 11 assists) and the Nuggets as a team to 36% shooting from the field.
Another reason to really kind of like Boston on Tuesday night is because Portland’s backcourt defense is just so bad. the Trail Blazers are 24th defensively vs. the PG spot, and 26th vs. SG’s. Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart, and Jaylen Brown could easily all go for 20+ here.
Trail Blazers Set to Go In a Rut?
The best route for sports betting success is to get in on a trend in the middle of it, and not at the end. What we’re seeing right now from Portland is a team that could really be running out of gas to wind down the season, dropping four of their last six.
When the Trail Blazers don’t score, they don’t win for the simple fact that their defense is so bad (29th in efficiency). Unfortunately for Portland they are not scoring lately, being held to under 100 points on Sunday vs. Miami. That’s the 3rd time in the last 6 being held to 110 or less for a team that is 7th in the NBA in scoring.
One of the big names seemingly running out of juice in this 2021 campaign is Damian Lillard, who has been who has been held to 16 points or less in 3 of the last 5 which is nearly unheard of. CJ McCollum has also been limited to 20 or less in 4 of 6, almost as if Portland disrupted their chemistry in the trade for Norman Powell.
Free Celtics at Trail Blazers Pick
Boston just looks like too easy of a play on Tuesday night, which is a big red flag. The Celtics should run away with this one which is why Portland as a contrarian play is the way to go here.
Trail Blazers 125 – Celtics 118
Pick: Trail Blazers -1
