Trail Blazers vs. Suns Predictions, Odds, Preview

May 13, 2021
by Michael Crosson
NBA Expert
VegasInsider.com

Western Conference NBA action will resume on Thursday night with the Suns set to host the Trail Blazers during the final matchup on TNT’s nationally televised slate. So, VI is getting you ready with a variety of betting resources to help handicap all the evening’s top contests.

Trail Blazers vs. Suns Betting Resources

Betting Odds - Trail Blazers vs. Suns

Line Movements

Subject to Change

  • Spread: Phoenix -5
  • Money-Line: Phoenix -180 Portland +148
  • Total: 223

Phoenix enters Thursday’s matchup as a five-point favorite over the visiting Blazers – marking the 10th consecutive contest the Suns have been favored in. The total for this event currently sits at 233, which is the highest over-under set for a Suns’ game since they with Sacramento back on April 15th (O 235).


The Suns return home following consecutive losses to the Lakers and Warriors as Phoenix battles Portland. (AP)

Trail Blazers vs. Suns Current Form-Last Game

The Suns head into Thursday’s contest following losses in three of their last four games, despite being favored in all four of those of matchups.

Phoenix most recent affair resulted in loss to the Warriors – as Stephen Curry had a tough night shooting during Golden State’s victory (21 points, 7-22 FGA), but Andrew Wiggins provided more than enough support to propel their team to a six-point win in a contest they were listed as a four-point underdog in.

On the contrary, the Blazers enter Thursday following wins in nine of their last 10 games – with Portland’s only loss across that span coming in a matchup against the Hawks, which was a contest Atlanta shot 20- 41 from downtown in (49%).

Portland’s latest affair resulted in a seven-point win over the Jazz last night – as Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum teamed up for 56 points on 22-of-42 from the field during the Blazers’ fifth consecutive victory.

Trail Blazers vs. Suns Head-to-Head

  • Mar. 11, 2021 - Suns 127 at Trail Blazers 121, Phoenix -4.5, Over 227
  • Feb. 22, 2021 - Suns 132 vs. Trail Blazers 100, Phoenix -6.5, Over 226.5

Phoenix has reigned victorious in both of its matchups against the Blazers so far this season – with the first of those contests staying under the total set for Thursday’s affair (232 points), and the second soaring over that number (248 points).

The Suns’ first victory over Portland came in blowout fashion – as Devin Booker got off to a hot start in the first half by posting 22 points in 8-of-11 from the field, and Phoenix ended up easily running away with a win of more than 30 points.

Phoenix’ second victory over Portland didn’t come quite as easy, but resulted in a victory nonetheless – as the Blazers entered the fourth quarter of their most recent affair against the Suns with a four-point lead and seemingly in control.

The Suns ended up shooting 63.2% from the field and 75% from three-point territory in the final stanza of the contest though, which ended up propelling Phoenix to a six-point win and cover over the Blazers.

(SU-Straight Up, ATS - Against the Spread, OU - Over-Under)

Portland Trail Blazers Betting Outlook

Inside the Stats (2020-2021)

  • Overall: 40-29 SU, 35-34 ATS, 37-32 OU
  • Road: 21-13 SU, 21-13 ATS, 21-13 OU

After getting bounced in a quick five games by Los Angeles in the first round of last year’s playoffs, the Blazers are well on their way to getting some temporary revenge – considering Portland has now cruised past the Lakers in the Western Conference standings, and now sit one game ahead of the defending champs on the postseason totem pole.

Betting the ‘over’ in Blazers’ games has played at a relatively profitable rate so far this season – with the total cashing at a 37-33 clip in matchups containing Portland since its elimination from last year’s playoffs.

Make note though, that trend has fizzled out a little bit lately – considering the total has stayed under in three of the last four Blazers’ games.

Phoenix Suns Betting Outlook

Inside the Stats (2020-2021)

  • Overall: 48-21 SU, 41-27-1 ATS, 40-29 OU
  • Home: 26-9 SU, 23-12 ATS, 21-14 OU

The Suns enter Thursday following wins in 22 of their last 30 games, which currently positions the Phoenix just one game below the league-leading Jazz on the Western Conference totem pole – as the race for homecourt-advantage in this year’s postseason still isn’t quite over with only three games left to play in the regular season.

Betting the ‘over’ in Suns’ games has ended up being one of the most consistent plays throughout the league this year – with the total going over at a 40-29 clip in matchups containing Phoenix this season, which is the highest clip across the conference in that department.

Phoenix seems content plowing ahead with the high-tempo style of play it has put on display lately too – considering the total has now gone over in seven straight Suns’ games.

Key Injuries

Portland Trail Blazers

  • SF Nassir Little: Back - Out
  • PF Zach Collins: Ankle - Out

Phoenix Suns

  • PF Cameron Johnson: Wrist - Questionable

Player Prop Best Bet

I gave this prop out as my ‘best bet’ last night and it cashed, so I don’t see any reason to stray away from it now.

Lillard heads into Thursday’s matchup following 30-point performances in seven of his last eight contests – with his lowest scoring output during that timeframe coming in a double-digit victory over the Celtics, which was a contest he still put up 26 points in.

I’ll back Lillard to crack that number again here – as I anticipate Portland leaning on its superstar a little more than usual in this event with tired legs on the second half of a back-to-back against a title contender.

Best Bet: Lillard Over 29.5 (+108)

Trail Blazers vs. Suns Prediction

The Suns head into Thursday’s contest following losses in three of their last four games, despite being favored in all four of their latest matchups.

Portland enters Thursday boasting wins in nine of their last 10 games – which includes impressive victories over the Jazz, Lakers, Nets, and Celtics during that timeframe.

I’ll take the points with Portland here, as the Blazers are extremely difficult to slow down in the regular season when Dame gets rolling on hot-streaks like the one he is currently on.

Score Prediction: Portland 119 Phoenix 115
Best Bet: Portland +5