San Antonio Spurs at Portland Trail Blazers Pick ATS 12/2/21

San Antonio Spurs (6-13 SU, 10-9-0 ATS) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (11-11 SU, 9-12-1 ATS)

When: Thursday, Dec. 2nd, 2021, 10:00 pm (ET)

Where: Moda Center, Portland, OR

TV: NBA TV

Point Spread: SAS +3.5/POR -3.5 (Opened at 3.5 at BAS – Guys! Check this place out! They let you lay -105 odds on games instead of -110! HUGE savings!)

Total: 222.5 (Opened at 222.5)

Money Line: SAS +140/POR -170

Power Rating: POR -5

Probable Starting Lineups

San Antonio Spurs: PG Dejounte Murray, SG Derrick White, SF Doug McDermott, PF Keldon Johnson C Jakob Poeltl

Portland Trail Blazers: PG Anfernee Simons, SG CJ McCollum, SF Tony Snell, PF Robert Covington, C Jusuf Nurkic

Key Injuries

San Antonio Spurs: G Devin Vassell *Probable* (Quad), F Doug McDermott *Probable* (Knee), C Zach Collins *Out* (Ankle)

Portland Trail Blazers: F Nassir Little *Out* (Ankle), Damian Lillard *Out* (Abdomen), F Norman Powell *Questionable* (Quad)

Recent Form

The San Antonio Spurs head into December with a 6-13 record and winners of their last two games. Even though they have one of the worst records in the NBA, they were able to get wins over two very good Eastern Conference teams in the Wizards and Celtics, giving themselves their first win streak of the season. Last time on the floor against the Wizards, they had their best all-around game, putting up 116 points, and holding Washington to just 99 points. The Spurs are led offensively by Murray with 19.1 PPG, but collectively the team has seven players averaging double-digit points. The Spurs offense averages 107.2 PPG and gives up 109.0 PPG defensively, giving the team a -1.8-point differential.

The Portland Trail Blazers have seen both good and bad streaks this season on the way to their 11-11 record. Just over a week ago, Portland capped off a four-game win streak before dropping three of their last four games to end the month of November. Last time on the floor, the Trail Blazers were able to get a win over the Pistons despite being without Lillard. Lillard leads the team in scoring with 21.5 PPG, and McCollum is close behind at 20.5 PPG. The Portland offense averages 110.4 PPG, but as of late has seen their defensive slipping, giving up 110.0 PPG and a 0.4-point differential.

No Dame, No Problem

While the Trail Blazers are by no means “better” without Lillard, they have found ways to win games whether he is struggling from the floor or out with an injury. Though he is averaging fewer points than Lillard, McCollum has proven to be more productive with a better field goal and three-point percentage. In their win over the Pistons on Tuesday, Simons was able to step in and be productive in place of Lillard. Looking at how the Trail Blazers match up with the Spurs, they shouldn’t have to worry about hitting the panic button without their star point guard. To the benefit of Portland as well, the Spurs are in the bottom ten teams for opponent three-point percentage, giving McCollum and Powell a green light from deep. The Spurs defense managed to hold their last two opponents under 100 points, but their luck will soon run out as they start their three-game road trip in Portland before heading to Golden State and Phoenix. The Trail Blazers will be able to start a win streak of their own Thursday night against a Spurs team that hasn’t won on the road since November 5th.

Pace of Play

The pace of play in this game is going to be set by the Spurs, who are the faster team. As always, I like to give the nod to the slower team so long as they have the shooters to take advantage of it, and the Trail Blazers certainly do. Given that it is a home game for Portland, if they are able to take control of the pace and slow it down in the second half and play with a lead, it’s going to make it more difficult for the Spurs to get into a rhythm and go on a run.

Blazers Hot at Home

Going into Thursday, the Trail Blazers are second only to the Warriors for the best home record. In fact, Portland has 10 of their 11 wins at home so far this season. The Trail Blazers offense comes alive at Moda Center, scoring 115.8 PPG. Their defense also plays considerably better at home, allowing 103.3 PPG compared to 116.8 PPG on the road. So long as they are able to get out to a strong first half as they typically do, they’ll be able to coast in garbage time on the way to their 12th win of the season.

The Historicals

Thursday’s game will be the first time these teams meet in the season. Looking back at the last two years, the Trail Blazers have won four of the last five games, including the last two. The most recent game in May was a 124-102 blowout by Portland.

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How the Public is Betting the Spurs vs. Trail Blazers

80% are betting the Trail Blazers to cover the spread.

53% are wagering on the game to go under the posted total of 222.5.

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• The San Antonio Spurs are 0-4 ATS in their last four games as a road underdog.
• The Portland Trail Blazers are 5-0-1 ATS in their last six games as a home favorite.
• The Portland Trail Blazers are 6-1-1 in their last eight games as a favorite.
• The Under is 4-0-1 in the Spurs’ last five road games.
• Under is 6-0 in the Trail Blazers last six games vs. teams with a losing record.
• The San Antonio Spurs are 1-5 ATS in their last six games against Portland.
• Over is 5-1 in the last six games between these two teams in Portland.

Collin’s Pick to Cover the Spread

The Spurs are riding high with confidence coming off their first win streak of the season. Portland continues their homestand where they have been next to unstoppable. The point spread in this one is one 3.5 points in favor of Portland due to the absence of Lillard. I don’t see his absence being enough to keep this game close for the Spurs as Portland has other guys who have proven they can step up. Take the Portland Trail Blazers to cover the 3.5-point spread. Bet your Spurs vs. Blazers pick and ALL your NBA bets this week for FREE by taking advantage of a 100% REAL CASH bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $300 at MyBookie Sportsbook! (Must use bonus code PREDICT100 when registering). Click here to sign up now!