The Boston Celtics are one of the hottest teams in the NBA and have zoomed up to second place in the Eastern Conference. While it seems unlikely that they pass the Cavaliers, Boston will try its best to close the gap. The Celtics’ next game will be against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Portland gets this game at home as it battles for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Trail Blazers are one game out of the playoff picture so this is a big home game for them to try to get a win against a tough foe.
Don't miss the hardwood action from the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 9, 2017. Catch every moment of the game live on TNT.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NBA Thursday schedule.
Odds at BookMaker.eu
Boston is 33-18 straight up and 27-23-1 against the spread. The Celtics have been really good in 24 road games this season, covering in 16 of them. Boston is 20-16 against the spread as the favorite this season and 7-7-1 as the underdog.
Portland is 22-30 straight up and 22-30 against the spread. The Trail Blazers have played in 25 home games and have covered in 12 of them. Portland is 13-14 against the spread as the favorite and 9-15 against the spread as the underdog.
Player to Watch
Isaiah Thomas -- The Celtics’ diminutive point guard has turned into a superstar this season. He is averaging 29.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Thomas used to be a sixth man extraordinaire but has really blossomed in Boston and has become one of the best scorers in the league.
Thomas is shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point range. He has been utterly fantastic in the team’s recent winning streak.
Thomas scored 38 in a win over Houston, 21 in a win over Orlando, 37 in a win over Milwaukee, 41 in a win over Detroit, 44 in a win over Toronto, 38 in a win over the Lakers and 28 in a win over the Clippers.
If he keeps it up and shoots well from the field, the Trail Blazers could have a tough time keeping pace.
Injury Report
Blazers star guard Damian Lillard sprained his ankle recently but is expected to play in this one. If he is hobbled or aggravates the injury and can’t play, it would be a big blow to Portland’s chances.
Lillard is averaging 26.0 points, 5.8 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. He is shooting 44 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from three-point range. The Blazers rely heavily on Lillard and C.J. McCollum, and if half of that duo is limited, it will be a tough pill to swallow.
McCollum may need to step it up in this one. He is averaging 23.4 points and 3.6 assists on the season and could get a healthy amount of shots if Lillard has any physical issues.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Celtics have proven to be the better team this season but must go on the road. That could help even things out and the spread isn’t expected to be too big.
Boston is playing extremely well right now and has pulled to within three games of the Cavs in the East. The Celtics would love to grab the No. 2 seed at the least in order to make a deep postseason run.
Portland, meanwhile, is pushing for the final playoff seed, although that would only line up a first-round matchup against the Golden State Warriors. This could be a competitive game, and while Boston is the superior group, if Lillard is healthy the Trail Blazers should be able to defend their home court.
NBA Odds: Trail Blazers 111, Celtics 109
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