NBA Picks: Portland Trail Blazers at Dallas Mavericks
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
The Dallas Mavericks get set to take on the Portland Trail Blazers for the first time this season at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The Mavericks just recently had their 12 game winning streak snapped on Sunday, as they blew a 20 point lead in a 103-99 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. It was the first loss for the Mavericks since losing to the Bulls back on Nov.19. As for the Trail Blazers, they have lost their touch on the offensive end the last couple games. After scoring just 78 points in a loss at San Antonio on Sunday, Portland managed to score a season-low 73 points in a loss at Memphis on Monday. Portland has won their previous four games before this stretch, and if they don’t find their shot tonight, they have no chance of beating the Mavericks. Looking at the NBA spreads for tonight’s games, the oddsmakers have the Mavericks favored by 7-points over the Trail Blazers at home.
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Despite their most recent loss to the Bucks, the Mavericks have been very tough to beat on their home court this season, as they have won 11 of their first 15 games at home. Dallas has been getting it done on both sides of the floor, but must find a way to stay focused and finished games. The Mavericks blew a 25-point lead against the Jazz on Saturday, before fighting back for a 103-97 win.
Dirk Nowitzki is having an MVP like start to the 2010 season, averaging 25 points and nearly eight rebounds a game. Nowitzki will look to score at least 30 points for the third straight game tonight against the Trail Blazers.
While Portland has struggled to put the ball in the basket the last couple of games, they are playing very well on the defensive side of the ball, as they haven’t allowed a team to reach the 100 point mark in each of their last 11 games. The Trail Blazers better bring it on defense tonight, or this game will get ugly in a hurry.
Portland needs to get more out of Brandon Roy, who is averaging just 17 points a game this season, but the former All-Star hurt his knee in the loss to the Spurs on Sunday. Roy decided he was good enough to go on Monday against the Grizzlies, but managed just seven points on 3-16 shooting. Roy has to be more of a factor if the Trail Blazers are going to win on the road for just the sixth time this season.
While all signs point to a Mavericks win tonight, Dallas is just 6-7 ATS at home this year. Portland on the other hand has really struggled on the road, covering the spread just four times this season.
Still can’t figure out who to take tonight? Check out what our expert NBA handicappers have to offer in their NBA picks.
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