-
Andrew Rogers
Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans: Game 4 Prediction, NBA Playoff Odds
The Portland Trail Blazers have found no answers for the swarming defence of the New Orleans Pelicans – and oddsmakers aren’t convinced they’ll figure it out in time to save their season as they look to avoid a sweep in Game 4 Saturday afternoon in the Big Easy. The Blazers came into the series as comfortable -248 favourites but have struggled mightily on the offensive end, averaging fewer than 100 points through the first three games of the best-of-seven.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
New Orleans is at a whopping -2404 to advance to the second round, and oddsmakers believe it will happen in Game 4. The Pelicans have won eight consecutive games overall and have covered in all eight, prevailing by double digits five times in that stretch. New Orleans has also been red hot at Smoothie King Arena – having gone 8-2 ATS in its last 10 home games – and has covered in five of their previous six games against the Trail Blazers.
Despite going above the number in Game 3, both teams boast solid under trends heading into Saturday’s potential series-clinching showdown. Portland has gone under in four of its past five games and is 2-6 O/U in its last eight following a straight-up defeat. New Orleans has nine unders and a push in its past 13 games vs. teams with winning records. But bettors beware: the Pelicans have gone over the number in 24 of their last 33 home games.
Portland Trail Blazers
Taking the under on the Trail Blazers’ team total might be the most secure bet you can make in this one; Portland comes in with a total of 105 (-118 on either the over or under), but hasn’t scored more than 102 points in any of the first three games – and you can expect that New Orleans defence to be just as restrictive, if not more so, in a potential clincher. A good start comes with a good payoff, as the Blazers are +180 to win the first half in this NBA matchup.
New Orleans Pelicans
Can the Pelicans close things out? And if they do, can they do it with emphasis? With five double-digit wins during its eight-game winning streak – including a 17-point rout last time out – New Orleans is certainly capable of running away with this one. And oddsmakers believe it could very well happen, giving the Pelicans +500 odds of winning by 21 or more – the best of any margin of victory aside from a three-to-six-point win, which pays at +450.
