Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers Prediction and Odds (Pelicans to Rout Tanking Trail Blazers)
By Joe Summers
After storming back from a 23-point deficit to beat the pitiful Lakers, the surging 32-43 New Orleans Pelicans now turn their attention to the 27-48 Portland Trail Blazers at 10:00 p.m.EST tonight.
The Pelicans have covered the spread in five of six games while Portland has won just twice in 16 tries and failed to cover in four straight.
New Orleans got the best of Portland 111-97 back in December, but can it get another dominant victory or will the Trail Blazers keep it close?
As we search for value in this Pelicans-Trail Blazers matchup, let's check out the odds via WynnBET Sportsbook:
Pelicans vs Trail Blazers Odds, Spread and Total
Spread
- Pelicans -13.5 (-110)
- Trail Blazers +13.5 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Pelicans: -950
- Trail Blazers: +625
Total:
- 226.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Pelicans vs Trail Blazers Prediction and Pick
Portland has failed to cover the spread in four straight by an average of just under 15 points per game. The Blazers' league-worst net rating in March (minus-19.0) is nearly 10 points worse than the second-to-last Oklahoma City Thunder's (minus-9.3) -- representing roughly the same gap between the Thunder and the No. 16 Atlanta Hawks. That's terrible.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, have a top-10 offense and defense in March. They've been incredible on the road, going 11-2 against the spread (ATS) over their last 13. Portland is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 at home and has disadvantages in every area of the court.
I'm reminded of the K.I.S.S. model they taught us in school. Keep It Simple, Stupid. One team is surging and playing like one of the better teams in the league. One team looks like it belongs in the NIT, not the NBA.
Let's keep it simple here. The Pelicans are going to overwhelm an actively-tanking Portland squad and build off the momentum of their thrilling comeback against the Lakers.
Pick: Pelicans -13.5 (-110)
Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.