The San Antonio Spurs (40-7) are running from the pack in the NBA's Western Conference, currently holding a 7 1/2-game lead over the second-place Lakers. The Spurs are facing a stiff test as they head out on a grueling road trip where they will play nine games over 17 days, beginning with a matchup with the Portland Trailblazers (25-22) tonight (10 PM Eastern) at Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Ore.
Staying up to date on current NBA Point Spreads will equip fans with the tools needed to make winning bets all the way through the 2011 NBA playoffs.
NBA point spreads specialists list the Spurs as 5-chalk road favorites in this one with a 189 1/2-total. Blazers backers are getting +180 odds on the offshore moneyline while the price of a SU bet for Spurs backers is -220.
The Blazers have enjoyed some success over the the Spurs having won three in a row and four straight at the Rose Garden. The Spurs failure to win at Portland over the last three years is a monkey they would like to shake. The Spurs have some momentum having won three straight games heading into Portland. Portland has failed to take advantage home court splitting a four game home stand, but are trying to avoid a two game losing streak. The Blazers are coming off a 10-point home loss Jan. 27 to the Celtics.
Betting trends show 74 percent of side action on San Antonio while 68 percent are risking ML wagers for a SU Blazers win. Over 68 percent of betting action is on the combined game score total to fall UNDER the posted 189 1/2.
On the year, the Spurs are 15-5 SU in road games while going 11-5 ATS. Overall, San Antonio is 25-15 ATS and has covered in four of six road games. Portland is 14-5 SU at home and is 11-8 ATS this season. Overall, the Blazers own a 20-19 ATS record.
The injury bug has hit the Blazers, making tonight's game more difficult. I am predicting the Spurs reverse that losing trend and pull off a SU win and cover the 5-point chalk. NBA Spreads BEST BET – Spurs -5.
