Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans Prediction
The New Orleans Pelicans stunned the Trail Blazers with a pair of wins in Portland. Is New Orleans going to continue to be the team to bet on as it hosts Game 3 tonight?
Game Snapshot
525 Portland Trail Blazers at 526 New Orleans Pelicans
Thursday, April 19, 2019
Smoothie King Center at 9PM ET
TV: NBATV
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Pelicans are a 3-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under is set at 216 points. As of Thursday afternoon, 71 percent of public bets are coming in on host New Orleans. Check out our NBA Public Betting Page for the latest information.
Playoff Rondo is back
It’s been no secret for years dating back to his Boston Celtics days that point guard Rajon Rondo steps his game up when the spotlight is on. Whether it’s national TV, playing his former team or the postseason – Rondo must be properly motivated. So seeing him play fantastic basketball in the playoffs these last two games is hardly a surprise. In the 97-95 Game 1 win he registered only six points but dished out 17 assists and pulled down eight rebounds. Game 2’s 111-102 victory saw him flirt with a triple-double as he contributed 16 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. When Rondo is locked in as he is now, it makes any team he in that much stronger.
Lillard struggles in Game 2
Blazers point guard Damian Lillard only had 18 points in Game 1 and shot only 2-of-14 from inside 3-point range. His woes got worse in the Game 2 defeat as he scored only 17 points on 7-of-18 shooting and had seven turnovers. It’s no secret that the Pelicans do not defend the perimeter well, so Lillard’s struggle are curious especially at home. Now Portland is in desperation mode and will likely need a huge game from its star in order to not fall into a 3-0 series deficit.
NBA Betting Trends
Portland
The Trail Blazers are 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings. The under is 4-0 in the last four Portland games overall.
New Orleans
The Pelicans are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games overall. The under is 5-2-1 in the last eight meetings.
Prediction:
It’s very difficult to fade New Orleans with how hot it is and now coming home to a short spread line. Winners of seven in a row straight up and ATS including two wins at Portland. Now doesn’t seem like the right time to bet against the Pelicans.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: NEW ORLEANS PELICANS -3