The Philadelphia 76ers travel to the Moda Center for an inter-conference matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night. The 76ers (9-7 SU, 8-8 ATS) are in the middle of a long west coast trip and have lost 4 of their last 5 games. The Trail Blazers (8-8 SU, 7-9 ATS) have won the first two games of a four-game home stand.
Can the scuffling 76ers build off of a win? Or will the Trail Blazers win their third straight?
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Betting Lines
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Point Spread: Trail Blazers -6
Money Line: 76ers +210 / Trail Blazers-250
Total: Over/Under 217
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Injury Report
The 76ers have been without their star, Joel Embiid, since he entered Covid-19 Health & Safety Protocols back on November 8th. They’ve also been without stellar defensive wingman Matisse Thybulle for some time due to Covid-19 protocols, but he is listed as questionable for tonight’s bout. Furthermore, Danny Green has been battling a hamstring issue and is expected to miss this game.
Damian Lillard (Abdomen) is listed as probable, while Normal Powell (ankle) is listed as questionable for the Trail Blazers.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Preview
76ers Scuffling Without Embiid
After coming out of the gates hot to start off the month of November, going 4-0 over their first four games, the 76ers have come back down to earth. Over their last 6 games, they are 1-5 while posting the 4th worst net rating in the NBA, per NBA Advanced Stats. Where they’ve really struggled is on the defensive end, as they rank 28th in the NBA in defensive rating over those six games.
The 76ers did just win on the road against the Denver Nuggets, but they won in rather ugly fashion. While Maxey and Seth Curry both went for 20+, the Nuggets shot a putrid 36% from the field.
Trail Blazers Own Their Home Court
The Trail Blazers are 7-1 at home this season, ranking third in home offensive rating, per NBA Advanced Stats. They also shoot 39% from three at home, the second-best home clip in the NBA. Damian Lillard has also started to pick it up after his slow start, averaging 24.3 points, 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game over his last six games. C.J McCollum is averaging 20.5 points per game this season alongside Lillard.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Prediction and Pick
Despite the 76ers’ ugly win on Thursday, these are two teams going in opposite directions. While the 76ers have lost 5 of their last 6, the Trail Blazers have won 3 of their last 4, including a big comeback win against the Bulls on Wednesday. The Blazers have some nice home cooking going, and I don’t see this as an advantageous spot to back the 76ers. Embiid isn’t playing, the Sixers were able to stop the bleeding with their win on Thursday, and I think they want to get this road trip over with. Back the Blazers, who are well-rested and looking to build on their recent success, to handle the 76ers.
