Welcome to my NBA picks series. Let's talk about Portland vs Detroit, by analyzing both teams recent performance and predict the score!
Portland
The Blazers visit Detroit on Monday evening, to try and stop their two game skid. They are 0-2 in this east cost road trip, having been defeated by Toronto and Boston. Their last defeat was very bad, losing at the buzzard after pissing away a considerable advantage. Lillard has played a sub par game and is probably looking to put up a better performance here. Overall, the Blazers have been very solid in their last 10 games, losing just three. Two of those three loses were very close games. Another important aspect is the fact that Portland is coming after having played the day before. It is not easy playing back to back on the road, it will be interesting to see how they react.
Detroit
In contrast to Portland, Detroit is coming off a three game winning streak. The team has been revitalized by the addition of Blake Griffin, which the Clippers unceremoniously shipped off. They have dispatched Cleveland 125-114 and have won two close games, against Memphis and the Heat. Honestly, I was not expecting Blake to have such an immediate effect, but apparently he has given a boost of morale to a team that has been playing beneath their potential this season. I have really liked Drummond and the way he clicks with Griffin. They will be extra motivated, as they are now just below the .500 limit.
Stats
Detroit has the seventh best defense in the league the 24th offence. However, since adding Blake Griffin, their offence has improved, considerably. They poured 111 on Miami in their last game, which is not an easy feat. Portland has the eight best defense and 18th offence and are the worst team in the League when it comes to assists. The Blazers have a solid record on the road this season 14-14, while Detroit is 16-10 when playing with home court advantage. I believe this is the first meeting between these two teams this season.
Prediction
This for me has the potential to be a blowout for Detroit. Portland is coming here, on a back to back, having lost their last two and Detroit is riding on really high morale after adding Griffin, which seems to fit well in the rotation. I think Detroit will play with a lot of energy, will defend well, and force the Blazers into bad three point shots. My pick:
Point Spread, Detroit, -2.5, 1 unit at 1.9 odds
This is all for tonight, I haven't been able to do one of these predictions in quite a while. I have focused on writing some Utopian-io tutorials, if you are into that sort of thing, check my blog. I am committed to writing NBA predictions a few times a week, because I really love the game of basketball. I hope you guys have enjoyed reading my post, have a great day and good luck!