NBA Betting – Expect Phoenix to Bounce Back Against Portland

The Phoenix Suns played about as badly as they have all season long the other night in their 1st round loss to the Portland Trailblazers. The Suns shot only 41.8% from the field and 34.3% from behind the arc in losing to the ‘Blazers 105 to 100.

The ‘Blazers played almost a perfect game without their star, Brandon Roy, but things could change on Tuesday night as Phoenix, no doubt will be looking to turn things around in Game 2 of the 1st round playoff series.

The Suns will need to pretty much speed the game up and take better shots. If they do that, then they no doubt will find a way to not only win, but, in my opinion, cover the spread. First, let’s take a look at the basketball odds for this game.

Game-night: 4/20/2010
Tip-off: 10:00 pm EST

Portland Trailblazers +8 ½ -110 O 204 ½ -110

Phoenix Suns -8 ½ -110 U 204 ½ -110

The trends point to Portland having a shot at covering the spread in this game although there are some trends favoring the Suns as well.

The Portland Trailblazers are 9 and 2 ATS in their last 11 playoff games as an underdog.

The Portland Trailblazers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 road games versus a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600.

The Phoenix Suns are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games as a home favorite.

The Phoenix Suns are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games at home.

The problem for Phoenix in Game 1 had to do with energy on both sides of the ball, shot selection, and some individual match-ups in the game that caused them to lose.

First, the Suns energy needs to increase in order for Phoenix to win against the ‘Blazers. Phoenix was way to lackadaisical on the defensive end of the court. Then, when they had the ball on the offensive end they weren’t aggressive enough. Instead of driving the lane on a number of plays, they settled for the outside shot.

Settling for the outside shot is not going to win them a lot of ball games during this 1st round series. Finally, the Suns’ coaching staff needs to concentrate on the individual match-ups.

It’s important that the Suns find a way to stop Andre Miller. Miller killed the Suns’ LeAndro Barbosa because he’s a big, experienced guard. The Suns played Barbosa for far too long on Miller in the second half and particularly in the 4th quarter.

Phoenix needs to realize that with Roy on the bench, Miller will be running the show in Portland. They must put a defender with a bit more size on Miller. If that means leaving Barbosa’s points on the bench, then that what it means.

These are all easy fixes for the Suns which is why, even though the basketball betting line is at 8 ½ points, sports gamblers only prefer the ‘Blazers in this game 53% to 47%.

I’m siding with the 47% and saying that the real Phoenix Suns find a way to beat Portland on Tuesday night. The Suns have had trouble with the ‘Blazers all season long, but Sunday night’s loss should have been a wake-up call.

Phoenix needs to make a few, simple, adjustments in order to beat Portland and cover the spread on Tuesday night.

Pick: Phoenix Suns -8 ½