Heat open as NBA underdog vs Trail Blazers

The NBA betting slate features a clash between Portland and Miami on Saturday, with the host Trail Blazers trying to win for fans supporting them with their cheers and their money.

Supporters of the Heat have seen them go 22-7 and 13-16 ATS so far this season, while the Trail Blazers are at 24-5 and 18-11 ATS. (Note: follow us on Twitter for line updates and injuries news). In totals betting, the Trail Blazers are 22-7, while the Heat are 18-11.

View Miami Heat vs Portland Trail Blazers Odds and Stats.

Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had set the Trail Blazers as -1-point Favorite on the Sportsbook line for this contest. The total was listed earler at 210, but may be on the move at Sportsbook and other top sites.

The Odds Shark Power Rankings have the Trail Blazers at No. 2 and the Heat at No. 9 heading into this contest. Handicapping models run by the computers at Odds Shark project a 102-101 result in favor of the Heat.



Miami lost its last outing, a 108-103 result against the Kings on December 27. The Heat failed to cover in that game as a 6-point favorite, while the 211 combined points took the game OVER the total. LeBron James chucked in 33 points for Miami on Friday, but they still came up short in losing 108-103 at Sleep Train Arena.

In their last action, Portland was a 116-112 Sportsbook at home against the Clippers. They failed to cover the 4.5-point spread as favorites, while the combined score (228) was profitable news for OVER bettors. Los Angeles was victimized by LaMarcus Aldridge for 32 points as the Trail Blazers defeated the Clippers 116-112 in NBA action on Thursday.

How They Match Up:
Offensively, the game matches up Portland's No. 1-ranked offense (108.66 PPG) against a Heat defense that ranks No. 7 at 97.34 PPG. The Trail Blazers have averaged 45.6% from the field per game, less than the Heat have managed so far this season (51.13% on average).

Next up:
Miami at Denver, Monday, December 30th
Portland at Charlotte, Monday, December 30th