NBA Timberwolves vs. Blazers Picks & Predictions for March 2, 2013
By ATSSportsline.com
PORTLAND, OR (ATS Consultants) – After slumping through the entire month of February, the Blazers will look to start March on the right foot when they host the Timberwolves at 10:00PM ET.
ODDS: Oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv have installed the Blazers as 9-point favorites versus the Timberwolves, while the over/under total is currently sitting at 198 points. Minnesota is 20-35 overall while Portland is 26-31 on the year.
LINE MOVEMENT: The Blazers opened as 8.5-point favorites but the spread has jumped up to 9 or 9.5 at most sports books. As for the total, it opened at 196 and has climbed to 198.
PUBLIC BETTING: Of the current wagers placed on tonight’s game, 51% of NBA public bettors currently favor the Blazers. This information is subject to change, however, so make sure you click on the link provided to get the most updated public betting numbers.
NBA FREE PICK: Take Minnesota. According to latest NBA trends, Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record, 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points and 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Portland is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. loss, 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record, 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall and 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Minnesota (20-35 SU, 24-29-2 ATS, 26-27-2 ATS) has lost four in a row but covered two of those games. They fell at the Lakers on Thursday, 116-94, getting 12. Portland (26-31 SU, 24-30-3 ATS, 30-26-1 O/U) has had their own struggles. They have lost eight of nine games including a 111-109 defeat to Denver at home on Wednesday, getting 2. Their only win in the last nine was last Sunday when they defeated Boston at home, 92-86. Portland has struggled to defend this year as they allow 99 points per game. Minnesota has been racked with injuries this year, but they still have good guard play. J.J. Barea scored 20 points off the bench on Thursday, while Ricky Rubio added 13 points and 13 assists with eight rebounds. And Derrick Williams is finally playing consistent basketball, averaging 16.5 points per game and 9.0 rebounds over his last 10 games. Minnesota should cover this game against a club that is struggling just as much as they are.
2013 NBA FREE PICK: MINNESOTA TIMBERWOVLES +9
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