The Phoenix Suns (11-14) go head-to-head against the Portland Trail Blazers (10-16) at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, December 16, 2019, and will air on Fox Sports – Arizona.
Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns ATS Prediction
The Trail Blazers failed to cover as 8-point underdogs in their 114-99 loss to the Denver Nuggets in their last outing. The game’s total points (213) were under the projected point total of 216.5. Denver won the rebounding battle. The Nuggets had 15 offensive rebounds and 48 total rebounds, while the Trail Blazers had seven and 35, respectively. Hassan Whiteside was the top scorer from either team with 33 points on 15-for-21 shooting.
In the Suns’ last outing, they lost a tight one to the San Antonio Spurs, 121-119. The total points for the game (240) were well over the O/U total of 219.5. San Antonio’s 15.9 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Phoenix, who had a mark of 10.3. The Spurs’ mark was below their season average of 22.2, while the Suns’ was below their season average of 20.2. Ricky Rubio had a good performance for Phoenix, leading the team in scoring with 25 points on 10-for-20 shooting.
After the Trail Blazers won all three matchups against the Suns last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, Portland won 127-120. The Trail Blazers knocked down 28 of their 36 free throws (77.8 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.576 vs. 0.461).
Portland comes into the game with records of 10-16 straight up (SU) and 11-14-1 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Trail Blazers have no tendency in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Phoenix is 11-14 SU and 14-10-1 ATS. Suns games have a tendency to go over the projected point total (60.0 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Whiteside (18 points,12.8 rebounds,3.0 blocks) has been great for the Trail Blazers while Rubio (13 points,11.8 assists,1.2 steals) has contributed greatly to the Suns.
Phoenix could put on a ball-control clinic in this showdown. Phoenix ranks fifth in the NBA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.8 percent), while Portland forces the third-fewest turnovers (12.4 percent).
Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns Free Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
On the road, Portland is 7-7-1 ATS with 8 unders, 6 overs and 1 push.
At home, Phoenix is 7-7-1 ATS with 11 overs and 4 unders.
In games where they allow under 100 points, Portland is 3-0 and Phoenix is 2-2.
When reaching 100 points, the Suns are 11-12 and the Trail Blazers are 10-12.
Phoenix ranks first in assists per game (28.4) while Portland ranks 29th (20.2).
The Suns rank third in points off turnovers per game (20.0) while the Trail Blazers rank last (13.4).
Portland ranks third in blocks per game (6.2) while Phoenix ranks 28th (4.0).
The Suns rank seventh in points in the paint per game (48.8) while the Trail Blazers rank 28th (43.4).
Portland averages 46.3 rebounds per game, which ranks eighth in the league. Phoenix ranks 26th in rebounds allowed per game (46.6).
The Suns rank 17th in steals per game (7.6) while the Trail Blazers rank last (6.0).
Phoenix ranks fifth in three pointers allowed per game (31.6) while Portland ranks 18th (34.1).
The Suns rank 23rd in second chance points allowed per game (13.7) while the Trail Blazers rank last (16.0).
Phoenix ranks ninth in fast break points per game (14.4) while Portland ranks 15th in fast break points allowed per game (13.3).
Over its last five contests, Portland is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Phoenix is 3-1-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Trail Blazers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.2, up from 2.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 120.0 points per game (4.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 118.4 points per game (4.1 above their season average).
