Golden State Warriors at Portland Trail Blazers Pick ATS 2/24/22

Golden State Warriors (42-17 SU, 29-26-4 ATS) vs. Portland Blazers (25-34 SU, 25-34-0 ATS)
When: Thursday February 24 2022, 10:00 PM (ET)
Where: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
TV: NBCSBA

Point Spread: GSW -9.5/POR +9.5(Opened at GSW -6 at BetNow)
Total: 224 (Opened at 223)
Money Line: Golden State -250/Portland 200
Power Rating: GSW -15

Probable Starting Lineups

Golden State Warriors PG Stephen Curry, SG Klay Thompson, SF Andrew Wiggins, PF Otto Porter, C Kevon Looney
Portland Blazers PG Anfernee Simons, SG Josh Hart, SF C.J. Elleby, PF Justise Winslow, C Trendon Watford NOTE

Key Injuries

Warriors Draymond Green: calf (OUT) Andre Iguodala: back (OUT) James Wiseman: knee (OUT)

Blazers Eric Bledsoe: achilles (OUT) Joe Ingles: knee (OUT) Keon Johnson: ankle (OUT) Damian Lillard: abdominal (OUT) Nassir Little: shoulder (OUT) Dennis Smith Jr.: elbow (OUT)

The Golden State Warriors travel to Portland to take on the Trail Blazers in a Western Conference showdown. Tip-off is set for 10:00 PM ET at the Moda Center.

Recent Form

The Golden State Warriors come into this game with an overall record of 42-17, placing them 2nd in the Western Conference. So far, Golden State is above .500 on the road, holding a record of 16-11. Over the Warriors’ last five games, they have picked up just 1 win. In this stretch, Golden State’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 107.0 points per game. Combined, the Warriors’ last five opponents are giving up 108.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Golden State’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 116.0 points over their previous five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 103.7. In the Golden State Warriors’ most recent game, the team fell to Memphis by a score of 117-116.

The Portland Blazers come into this game with an overall record of 25-34, placing them 10nd in the Western Conference. On the season, Golden State has won exactly half of their 32 home matchups, sitting at 16-16. The Trail Blazers have played well over their last five games, picking up 4 wins. During this stretch, Portland is averaging 112.0 points per game, 4.0 points more than their season average of 108.2. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 110.0 points per contest. The Trail Blazers have been picking up victories while holding opponents to an average of 109.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 112.0. In the Portland Blazers’ most recent game, Portland took down Memphis by a score of 123-119.

Individual Player Analysis

As Golden State travels to take on the Portland Blazers, the Warriors’ leading scorer is Stephen Curry. Through 54 games, Curry is averaging 25 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 44.0% of his games. As Curry gets set to take on the Blazers, he could be in line for a big game as Portland is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 52.0 of their games. This figure places them 22nd among NBA defenses. On the other side, Portland is looking for a top-scorer to emerge as they traded away CJ McCollum and Norman Powell. One candidate is newcomer Josh Hart, who is averaging 24 points per game in his three games with Portland.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Golden State Warriors are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 43 of Golden State’s 59 games, leading to a winning percentage of 77%. So far, the Portland Blazers have played 21 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 21 times, by an average margin of -15.0 points.

More Picks: Memphis at Minnesota Predictions 2/24/22 >>>

The Historicals

Heading into this game, the Warriors have won both of their matchups with the Blazers this year.

How the Public is Betting the Warriors vs Blazers

67% are betting the Warriors against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 215.5

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Warriors are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
• Warriors are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 road games.
• Warriors are 1-4-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a road favorite.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Even with a spread sitting at 9.5 points, look for the Golden State Warriors to come away with a double-digit win. On the season, the Warriors have been one of the most efficient scoring teams, while the Trail Blazers are 29th in effective field goal percentage allowed. I expect Golden State to have whatever they want on offense, leading to a win that covers the spread.