[LLXC]

Sacramento/Portland Under 199

For a number of different reasons I believe the value in this matchup is on the "under":

Sacramento makes its first visit to Portland since a 109-77 loss Dec. 16th. The Kings are far from the team they were a year ago though; it took the Kings 40 games to notch their 10th victory last season, and coach Paul Westphal is trusting his young players more.

And a big part of Sacramento's recent turnaround has been its play on the defensive end.

Keep in mind that the total has gone "under" the posted number in four of Sacramento's last five vs. Portland.

On the other side of the court: Back home following a disappointing eastern trip, the Trail Blazers look to snap a two-game slide with their fourth straight victory over the Kings.

Assistant Dean Demopoulos served as Portland’s head coach during a 1-3 trip that ended with Saturday’s 108-101 double-overtime loss to Milwaukee. LaMarcus Aldridge scored a season-high 31 points, including six straight in the first overtime, but Portland (14-11) was unable to close out the Bucks; with so many injured, I look for Portland to concentrate on its defense to create its offensive this evening.

The total has gone "under" the posted number in nine of Portland's last 13 at home.

Bottom line: When taking into account the Trailblazers injury problems, and the improved play on the defensive end by the Kings of late, and the rest of these strong O/U trends and facts, the sharp money in this matchup is on the UNDER!

9* UNDER.

[gilbert91016]

He's on fire

[iceminers26]