PREMIUM
Rogers' TOTAL MASSACRE >> 10 STRAIGHT NBA WINNERS!
(NBA) Chicago vs. Portland,
Total: 214.00 | -110.00 Under
Result: Win
Total: 214.00 | -110.00 Under
Result: Win
The set-up: The Portland Trail Blazers have gotten things together and last night's 104-96 road victory over the short-handed Los Angeles Clippers (due to the Blake Griffin trade) was the team's sixth win in its last seven games. Portland is now 28-22, giving them what would be the No. 6 seed in the West, three games inside the playoff 'cut line.' The Blazers are back home tonight to face the 18-32 Chicago Bulls, who have lost four consecutive games after dropping a 110-96 decision to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday.
Chicago: PG Kris Dunn (13.7-4.6-6.4) will miss his sixth consecutive game due to a concussion and the Chicago offense isn't running on all cylinders without him. Jerian Grant has received more playing time during Dunn's absence but his inconsistency (22 points, 13 assists against New Orleans, a combined 16 points and 11 assists over the following two contests) remains a problem. Guard Zach LaVine returned to action Jan. 13 after missing the first half of the season following ACL surgery on his left knee. LaVine has averaged 12.6 PPG in eight games but has really struggled with his shooting in the past two games, going a combined 5 for 28 from the floor. Overall team health plus the potential potential trade involving forward Nikola Miroti (16.8 & 6.4) are big concerns for the Bulls right now.
Portland: PG Lillard (25.5-4.7-6.5) is on a big-time roll since returning from hamstring and calf injuries and has topped 20 points in each of the last 10 games while averaging 27.4 points during the stretch. Backcourt partner CJ McCollum (21.4) has enjoyed a productive month with 10 , 20-point outings, although he had a modest 16 points on 5-of-18 shooting against the Clippers last night. In contrast, center Jusuf Nurkic matched his career high by collecting 20 rebounds against the Clippers and has been a mainstay for the Blazers, averaging 14.3 & 8.2 on the season. He's the only Blazer in double digits outside of the team's starting backcourt.
.The pick: The Bulls went on a 7-0 run when Nicola Mirotic returned to the court and were 10-2 through his first 12 games back. However, that positive mojo has now 'gone with the wind,' as the team has lost 10 of 15 (four straight) and Mirotic is still expected to be moved before the trade deadline (will Chicago get the first-round pick they want?). Meanwhile, Portland comes in looking for a seventh win in its last eight overall, including an eighth consecutive home win. Portland's averaged 113.3 PPG during its seven-game home winning streak and with both teams having played last night, expect a little less effort on the defensive end all around. Make the Over an 8* play.
Chicago: PG Kris Dunn (13.7-4.6-6.4) will miss his sixth consecutive game due to a concussion and the Chicago offense isn't running on all cylinders without him. Jerian Grant has received more playing time during Dunn's absence but his inconsistency (22 points, 13 assists against New Orleans, a combined 16 points and 11 assists over the following two contests) remains a problem. Guard Zach LaVine returned to action Jan. 13 after missing the first half of the season following ACL surgery on his left knee. LaVine has averaged 12.6 PPG in eight games but has really struggled with his shooting in the past two games, going a combined 5 for 28 from the floor. Overall team health plus the potential potential trade involving forward Nikola Miroti (16.8 & 6.4) are big concerns for the Bulls right now.
Portland: PG Lillard (25.5-4.7-6.5) is on a big-time roll since returning from hamstring and calf injuries and has topped 20 points in each of the last 10 games while averaging 27.4 points during the stretch. Backcourt partner CJ McCollum (21.4) has enjoyed a productive month with 10 , 20-point outings, although he had a modest 16 points on 5-of-18 shooting against the Clippers last night. In contrast, center Jusuf Nurkic matched his career high by collecting 20 rebounds against the Clippers and has been a mainstay for the Blazers, averaging 14.3 & 8.2 on the season. He's the only Blazer in double digits outside of the team's starting backcourt.
.The pick: The Bulls went on a 7-0 run when Nicola Mirotic returned to the court and were 10-2 through his first 12 games back. However, that positive mojo has now 'gone with the wind,' as the team has lost 10 of 15 (four straight) and Mirotic is still expected to be moved before the trade deadline (will Chicago get the first-round pick they want?). Meanwhile, Portland comes in looking for a seventh win in its last eight overall, including an eighth consecutive home win. Portland's averaged 113.3 PPG during its seven-game home winning streak and with both teams having played last night, expect a little less effort on the defensive end all around. Make the Over an 8* play.
