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The Portland Trailblazers will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night in Game 2 of this Western Conference first round series, after the Pelicans managed to steal a win on the road in Game 1 over the weekend.
The third seeded Blazers (49-33, 28-13 home in the regular season) had a miserable Game 1 in terms of shooting the ball. However, even in these circumstances, they were able to make a late run and almost won the game, eventually losing by 2 points. Dame Lillard shot just 6-23 and the Blazers shot less than 38% overall from the field, so the hosts will surely feel they will be better this time around. Game 2 is definitely a must win for them, so they can`t afford another letdown.
The sixth seeded Pelicans (48-34, 24-17 away in the regular season) ended the regular season on a 5 game winning streak, and continued with the same intensity for the first three quarters of Game 1. Sure, they benefited by Portland’s shooting issues, but the Pels defended well, played tough, and of course Anthony Davis dominated as expected. Still, the Pelicans will be put on guard by Saturday`s 4th quarter, when the Blazers took charge and nearly overcame a late double digit deficit.
Bet on Blazers vs. Pelicans and claim your 100% (100 Eur) freebet at Ohmbet now!Team news: Harkless is questionable for the Blazers, while the Pelicans will continue to miss Cousins and Ajinca.
Credit to the Pelicans for dodging the Blazers rally and stealing Game 1, but doing it for a second consecutive time in Portland will be really difficult.
The Pelicans shot 48% compared to Portland`s 38%, while Lillard struggled for 6-23, and it was still only a two point win for New Orleans. This difference in shooting is unlikely to happen again, and Lillard (a known clutch performer in the playoffs) is very unlikely to struggle as much again, so it`s only reasonable to see Portland as a solid favorite in this match.
The Blazers will also have the momentum after shaking the rust and finishing strong in Game 1.
All in all the Blazers are likely to shoot much better, and their sharpshooting from three should get them over the line rather comfortably. I don`t expect a blowout, but a 10-15 point home win seems like a logical outcome according to my analysis.
My tip here will be Portland to win and cover the -6 points (asian) handicap in the process. Prediction: Portland Trailblazers – New Orleans Pelicans 112 – 100.
Pick: TrailBlazers -6
Odds: 1.95 @ Sbobet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.60
Event date: 18 April
