NBA Picks Wednesday 4/20/2016 – POR vs. LAC

Pick #1 – Portland Trailblazers at Los Angeles Clippers

The NBA playoffs are finally here and while there have been a few blowouts like the Portland Trailblazers and Los Angeles Clippers first game there has been no shortage of thrills and highlights so far in this beginning of the NBA postseason. In this second game Portland looks to make a strong comeback after a bad loss which should be possible as they are playing some great 7-3 basketball over there last 10 games but it will be a challenge of course going against the recent hot, healthy and high flying Clippers who come into tonight with a solid 8-2 last 10 game run. The Portland Trailblazers (44-39) and the Los Angeles Clippers (54-29) are both playing some blazing fast basketball right now and we have to think the buckets and points should be flying tonight as the Blazers try to keep up with there fast paced Clippers counterparts which they have the ability to do. Portland only lists the non-factor Meyers Leonard on the injury report so both teams are coming as strong as ever and both look ready to make statements this postseason. Despite being blowout in game 1 we should expect Portland to make the necessary adjustments and comeback as the team we know they can play like. Lets take a look at some of the stats that make this OVER play a favorable one. The total has gone OVER in 8 of Portland's last 11 games on the road so it really does seem like they can kick it up a notch on the road which we are hoping for here. In addition to this Portland has a 23-19 season over/under Total record on the road as well as a 44-39 o/u season total so we know the Trailblazers are the ideal team to push the pace and the points which should both be done tonight as they try to fight back to even for the series. The offensive and defensive numbers add up nicely for us here as we get scores averaged over the prior 10 contests of 214.6 and 203 respectively which puts the potential offensive output easily OVER the line that we need to hit. The over/under for this NBA spread total opened at 206 and has now climbed to 209.5 so the smart money seems to be pouring in on the OVER side which has to make us feel good. The Trailblazers who just lost by 20 on the road are a +8 point underdog so they really have some scoring work to do if they hope to take home a win. The OVER consensus for this game is 54% so it will be interesting to see which side of the public is right tonight. The last playoff game three days ago in Los Angeles between these two Western conference rivals resulted in a 115 – 95 Clippers drudging of the Trailblazers so expect more focus, energy and of course offensive action brought tonight. This should be a strong OVER 209.5 play as we get two of the fastest playing teams and most potent offensives going head to head tonight for playoff glory.

Game Time:
Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Clippers - Playoffs - First Round - Game 2 - Wednesday, April 20, 2016 10:35 PM

Spread:
531 Portland Trail Blazers +8
532 Los Angeles Clippers -8

Total:
531 Portland Trail Blazers Over 209½
532 Los Angeles Clippers Under 209½

Betting odds provided by 5Dimes

The Pick:
OVER 209.5 (2 Units)

As always bet within your means and bankroll. Enjoy the games and be responsible when betting!

Picks By TexasMatt