Portland Trail Blazers vs Charlotte Hornets: Defense lovers can be disappointed

COVID-19 has plunged the world into chaos and the case is no different for the badly hit NBA. We have seen numerous absentees recently and really, in a league that is already so unpredictable, this creates a ton of problems while choosing different forms of bets. Still, we try and strive to be accurate, bettors, bookmakers, tipsters all look to get it as accurate as possible. In this game, a scoring machine Charlotte Hornets visits a loss-ridden Portland Trail Blazers. Charlotte is two games above the 50% record while the Trail Blazers have lost seven games in a row. Can Portland at least win a game after 15 days or so? Head to the “Notes” section for a quick look. For “Total” discussion, lean over to the “Expert Betting Tips” section.

The Charlotte way: What I find peculiar about Charlotte is that whether the team wins or loses, it forces you to play a high-scoring game. The plan is simple, put up a ton of points and stretch the points total as much as possible. Whatever one says about the team, Hornets have forced many elite teams to play their way time and time again. That is why I am sure that the Hornets have been the highest scoring ones in this league. The trouble for opponents is that since Charlotte keeps on stacking up points, if they go cold late, it can hurt their chances big time. Still, the Hornets have lost seven of the last ten games but now with Ball back, they will be more confident.

Portland has lost the way: The Trail Blazers have lost seven in a row. The team has lost ten of the last eleven games and since late November, the clock has been harsh on the Trail Blazers. Of course, injuries to CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard hurt the campaign but still, it wasn’t like Portland was winning all that much before. Portland has played some subpar basketball since the last couple of seasons and it will not surprise anyone if the team trades away some of its players soon.

Offensive comparisons: Well, scoring is what this Hornets does the best. The team has figured in the high scoring range of 124-131 points continually this season and a game where they score even 110 is low-scoring by their lofty scoring standards. The team is deep offensively and has as much as six isolation scorers! On the other hand, the Trail Blazers have lost their earlier offensive identity and have struggled to reach the 110+s. Still, I think with Lillard in the mix, scoring 107-115 points is possible. You can see how this one is shaping up to be an offensive affair.

Overall: In summary, the Charlotte Hornets have another chance to score big against a team that allows 110 or more points on a regular basis and is not known for its defense. With LaMelo returning, the team will have even better coordination it seems. On the other hand, the Trail Blazers need to win at least one at the home floor. Damian Lillard hasn't had one of his special 35-45 points outings in a long long time. His scoring has been down and he doesn’t look in the same form as last season. Can Portland derail the Hornets’ offense? Highly unlikely.

Here are some quick hitters related to the game:

• Trail Blazers have scored 103, 107(OT), 111, 94, 90 in the last five games. Those 90s games where without Damian Lillard;
• Trail Blazers have allowed 113, 111(OT), 116, 104, 102 in the last five games;
• Hornets have scored 131, 96, 124, 106, 124(OT) in the last five games;
• Hornets have conceded 115, 120, 123, 110, 127(OT) in the last five matches;
• Charlotte has to play four more games on the road including this one. The team has been 1-1 on the Western Conference trip so far;
• Trail Blazers have lost seven games in a row, they have lost six of those at home;
• Norman Powell has scored 25 or more in multiple games this month;
• Damian Lillard averaged around 30 points last season, he is averaging 22 this season. This is a more than 25% reduction!;
• Gordon Hayward has scored 31 or more in two of the last three games;
• Miles Bridges has dished eight assists in two of the last three games but that number may decrease with the team’s leading playmaker in LaMelo Ball back in the picture;
• The injury report states LaMelo Ball as “Questionable” but there is a decent chance of him returning;
• CJ McCollum continues to be out for Portland. He is going to undergo another evaluation before the end of next week. Tony Snell will miss the game for the team while Dennis Smith Jr. is questionable;
• Do check the injury list before placing stakes.

Points Range: Ain’t this the fun part when Hornets are playing! The Points discussion. Charlotte Hornets crave for high-scoring affairs and this is likely to be no different against a vulnerable defensive side. The Hornets have scored as much as 140+ this season and there are games that figure in the 250-260 points range when they are playing. Portland’s offense has taken a hit with McCollum out but Hornets are not exactly even a decent defensive unit. This means that Portland can find the door open for 110 points at least. The Points Range here seems to be 227-245. You never know with a Hornets games, it can go past 250!

Prediction: Portland is due a win, it has been just two long, two weeks have passed… The Hornets also need a win to build a winning streak with their star PG Ball returning to the floor sooner than later. In terms of scoring options, the Hornets have more tools but Dame can go big here, well I have been saying that for a long time too. Anyway, instead of picking a winner, I predict a scoring line of 122:116.

• Total Points: Over 227.5 for 1.85;
• Total 2 Over 113.5 for 1.86;
• Team Totals: POR Trail Blazers: Over 114.5 for 1.83.