The Portland Trail Blazers (28-37) will be at home in Moda Center at the Rose Quarter when they challenge the Phoenix Suns (26-38). Action starts at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Arizona.

Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers Free Preview

The last time the Suns played, they were victorious over the Milwaukee Bucks, 140-131, despite being 6.5-point underdogs. With 25 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists, Ricky Rubio led the way for Phoenix with his first triple-double this season. Phoenix dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a great free throw rate of 0.318 (above their season average of 0.224) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.6 (below their season average of 22.2). For those same stats, Milwaukee had marks of 0.168 and 15.2, respectively. The two teams combined to put up 271 points, which was well over the projected point total of 229.

The Trail Blazers were unable to cover as 2-point favorites in their 123-111 loss to the Sacramento Kings in their last game. With 19 points and 11 rebounds, Portland’s Hassan Whiteside put together a solid game. Sacramento did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (20-23; 87.0 percent). Portland, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (9.9 vs. 12.8). The two squads collectively scored 234 points, which finished over the projected point total of 230.5.

Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball security could play a significant role in this matchup. Portland commits the fourth-fewest miscues in the NBA (turnover percentage of 12.3 percent), while the pesky defense of Phoenix forces the fourth-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 14.8 percent).

Of Phoenix’s 64 games, 33 have finished over the O/U total, while 36 of Portland’s 65 games have finished over the projected point total. Both teams have middling straight up (SU) records (26-38 for Phoenix; 28-37 for Portland), but the Suns have the advantage against the spread (ATS). Phoenix is 29-34-1 ATS, while the Trail Blazers are 26-37-2.

These two teams have already met three times this year, with the Suns winning two. In the most recent matchup, Aron Baynes scored a game-high 37 points and the Suns, who were 3.5-point underdogs, beat the Trail Blazers 127-117. He also had 16 rebounds. The two teams combined for 244 points, which was 11 points above the projected point total of 233 points. The Suns played a nearly flawless game. They had a fantastic offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 and a turnover percentage of 10.8. The Trail Blazers were 22.0 and 14.1, respectively, for those same stats.

Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers Prediction

NBA Tip: SU Winner – Suns, ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Over

Notes

Betting Notes:

The Suns rank sixth in three pointers allowed per game (32.1) while the Trail Blazers rank 27th (35.3).

Phoenix ranks 14th in second chance points allowed per game (12.8) while Portland ranks last (15.5).

Phoenix ranks ninth in rebounds allowed per game (43.6) while Portland ranks 29th (47.6).

Phoenix ranks 17th in points in the paint per game (47.7) while Portland ranks 26th (44.5).

Phoenix is 16-13 ATS on the road with 16 unders and 13 overs.

Portland is 12-18-1 ATS at home with 19 overs and 12 unders.

Phoenix is 7-2 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Portland is 4-0.

In games where they score over 100 points, the Suns are 25-30 and the Trail Blazers are 28-30.

The Trail Blazers rank fifth in steals allowed per game (6.9) while the Suns rank 22nd (8.1).

Phoenix ranks first in assists per game (27.2) while Portland ranks last (20.2).

The Trail Blazers rank second in blocks per game (6.2) while the Suns rank 28th (4.0).

The Suns rank ninth in fast break points per game (14.5) while the Trail Blazers rank 24th in fast break points allowed per game (15.3).

Phoenix ranks fourth in points off turnovers per game (18.8) while Portland ranks 28th (14.2).

Bettings Trends:

Portland is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under in its last five games.

Across its past five outings, Phoenix is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.

The Trail Blazers have outscored opponents by an average of 2.0 points in their last five games. On the season, Portland has lost by an average of 1.9 points.

During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 118.2 points per game (5.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 119.8 points per game (6.0 above their season average).