The Portland Trail Blazers got their 50th win of the season recently; they’re tied with San Antonio for fourth in the West, and are one-half game behind Houston as they get set to host the Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Lakers tonight. The home team has won all three games this season. NBA oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Lakers as slim -1 point road favs over the Blazers with the over/under set at 195.5 points. Be sure to get your Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers Free NBA Pick in now at Sportsbook.com
The Lakers recently beat the Nuggets 116-102 at home for their fifth consecutive win. Their top producers on the night were Kobe Bryant with 33pts, while Pau Gasol added 27pts 19 rebounds and Andrew Bynum had 16pts 7 rebounds in his first game back from injury. The combination of Gasol and Bynum has created havoc for their opposition. "We have two 7-footers out there that can rebound," Gasol said. "I was able to take advantage that he was a little off on his rhythm and I was able to go after the ball because he attracted two defenders. It was positive for me because it opened up my lane and allowed me to go after rebounds." Gasol has averaged 21.0 points and 11.2 rebounds during the Lakers' five-game win streak. The Lakers are 29-11 SU on the road where they average 106.1 ppg and give up an average 100.5 ppg. They are 3-2 SU in their last five road games where they’ve averaged 97.8 ppg and given up an average 95.4 ppg. LA moved within one-half game of Cleveland, and the Lakers hold the tiebreaker over the Cavaliers for the NBA's best overall record and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Blazers recently beat the Spurs 95-83 on the road for their seventh win in ten games. Their top scorers on the night were Brandon Roy with 26pts, while LaMarcus Aldridge added 20pts and Steve Blake, Joel Przybilla and Nicolas Batum combined for a low 14pts. LaMarcus Aldridge has emerged as a go-to player in the low post, averaging 23.6pts on 57.8 percent shooting in his last seven games. Brandon Roy has totaled 22.7pts and 5.6 assists per game in Portland's recent surge, making 50.4 percent of his shots. Brandon Roy has played well at home versus the Lakers, averaging 23.3pts while helping the Blazers win all three games he's played against them at the Rose Garden. The Blazers are 31-7 SU at home where they average 103.4 ppg and give up an average 94 ppg. They are 4-1 SU in their last five home games where they’ve averaged 111.4 ppg and given up an average 98.6 ppg.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
- Over is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in Portland.
- Lakers are 7-22 ATS in the last 29 meetings.
- Underdog is 23-6 ATS in the last 29 meetings.
- Lakers are 3-14 ATS in the last 17 meetings in Portland.
Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers Free NBA Pick
When: Fri, April 10, 2009 10:00 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Lakers -1
Point-Spreads.com Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers Free NBA Pick
The Bottom Line: The Lakers should be able to pull off the win, or cover, with Bynum back and a stacked bench. Go Lakers! Be sure to get your Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers Free NBA Pick in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!
