The Portland Trail Blazers (13-23) travel to face off against the Dallas Mavericks (21-16) on Thursday, January 9th. This game will be played at American Airlines Center in Dallas and televised on KATU. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 8:30 ET.

Trail Blazers vs Mavericks

The Trail Blazers Are Coming Off A Win

The Trail Blazers improved to 13-23 on the season with a 119-100 win over the Pelicans on Wednesday. Portland, who entered the game as +2 point underdogs, covered the spread with the victory. The total points for the game came in at 219, just under the O/U line of 223.5.

Portland dominated early, outscoring New Orleans 40-24 in the 1st quarter and 35-18 in the 2nd. They led 98-76 going into the 4th quarter, allowing the Pelicans to close the gap slightly by winning the final quarter 24-21.

The Mavericks Are Coming Off A Win

Dallas improved to 21-16 on the season with a 118-97 win over the Lakers on Tuesday. The Mavericks, who were +6.5 point underdogs, not only won but covered the spread. The total points for the game were 215, just under the O/U line of 218.

After trailing 27-24 after the 1st quarter, Dallas took control with a 13-0 run, turning a 50-47 deficit into a 60-50 lead. They outscored the Lakers 31-23 in the 2nd quarter, 34-26 in the 3rd, and 29-21 in the 4th, pulling away for the win.

Trail Blazers Offense Breakdown

The Trail Blazers shot 54.5% from the field in their win over the Pelicans, with Deni Avdija leading the way with 26 points and 6 rebounds, hitting 4 threes at 57.1%. Shaedon Sharpe also connected on 4 threes, finishing with 21 points on 61.5% shooting.

Portland made 13 threes as a team, shooting 36.1% from beyond the arc. Avdija scored 7 points in both the 1st and 4th quarters, while Sharpe put up 13 points in the opening period.

Mavericks Offense Breakdown

The Mavericks shot 52.3% from the field and connected on 18 threes at a 47.4% clip in their win over the Lakers. Quentin Grimes led the way with 23 points, hitting 6 threes at 54.5%, while P.J. Washington added 22 points, going 3-for-3 from deep.

Spencer Dinwiddie contributed 19 points and 8 assists, and Jaden Hardy scored 11 of his 15 points in the 3rd quarter. Grimes and Washington each scored 8 points in the final period.

Trail Blazers Team Defense

Portland’s defense was strong in their win over the Pelicans, allowing just 100 points. They held New Orleans to 24 points in both the 1st and 4th quarters and had their best defensive effort in the 2nd, giving up only 18 points.

The Trail Blazers limited the Pelicans to 12 three-pointers on 32% shooting from deep. They also sent New Orleans to the line just 11 times, where they made 8 free throws. Defensively, Portland recorded 11 steals and 7 blocks.

Mavericks Team Defense

The Trail Blazers put together a strong defensive performance on Wednesday, holding the Pelicans to 100 points. Portland’s defense was particularly effective in the 2nd quarter, where they allowed just 18 points. They also limited New Orleans to 24 points in both the 1st and 4th quarters.

From beyond the arc, the Trail Blazers held the Pelicans to 32% shooting, with New Orleans making 12 threes. Portland also sent the Pelicans to the free-throw line just 11 times, where they made 8. Defensively, the Trail Blazers recorded 11 steals and 7 blocks.

Trail Blazers vs Mavericks Trends

• In their last five road games, Portland has averaged 110 points per game while allowing 113. The team’s record in this stretch was 2-3 while going 3-2.
• Across their five previous home games, Dallas has an ATS mark of 1-4. Their straight up record in these matchups was 1-4 while averaging 104 points per game.
• Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the underdog, the Trail Blazers have a straight up record of 4-6. Their record vs the spread in these games was 6-4.
• Spanning across their last five games as the betting favorite, the Mavericks have gone 2-3 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 2-3.

Trail Blazers vs Mavericks Prediction

Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +7.5, the Trail Blazers is our point spread pick. Our projections not only see them covering the spread but also indicate a solid chance of an outright victory. This is a good choice for those looking for a higher moneyline payout.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 220, and our model projects the Trail Blazers and Mavericks to reach a combined total of 246 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.