Washington Wizards (4-21) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (6-19)
Washington Wizards vs. Portland Trail Blazers 12/21/23 – On Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 10:00 PM ET at Moda Center, two NBA clubs with subpar records will square off. Washington Wizards (1-4-21) face Portland Trail Blazers (6-19). It promises to be an intriguing contest; especially for those following free handicapper tips from top handicappers. Both squads hope that this contest can turn their fortunes around; its setting creates an additional sense of anticipation that should ensure an electric atmosphere during this basketball showdown.
The Washington Wizards’ current season has been beset with difficulty, yet a closer examination of their stats reveals some positive indicators. They average 116.4 points per game on offense with their field goal percentage standing at 48.3% reflecting efficient scoring efficiency while 3-point shooting averaged 35.3% and 13.9 turnovers per game being particularly troubling – along with rebounding numbers averaging 39.3 per game and 31 defensive rebounds to help provide solid presence within the paint.
Portland Trail Blazers have scored an average of 107.6 points per game, just edging out Washington Wizards in terms of scoring output. Their field goal and 3-point percentages stand at 43.7% and 34.2%, which suggests areas needing improvement. What stands out for Portland are their free throw percentage at 80.3% along with their ability to secure 41 rebounds per game – an impressive figure that could prove decisive come close games. Unfortunately though, like their counterparts they also struggle with turnovers at an average 14.6 rate which could become decisive.
Washington Wizards vs. Portland Trail Blazers Game Info
| When: | Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Moda Center |
| TV: | TBA |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Kyle Kuzma (SF) vs. Jerami Grant (SF)
Kyle Kuzma of the Wizards has been an essential contributor this season, averaging 23.1 points and 6 rebounds per game while contributing significantly in terms of assists, blocks, turnovers and fouls per game – particularly during high-pressure situations. However, some areas could use improvement, particularly regarding turnovers and fouls per game.
Jerami Grant of the Trail Blazers averages 22.7 points and four rebounds per game, playing slightly more minutes per game than Kuzma does. Grant excels at scoring and defensive contributions while his turnovers and fouls could use improvement.
Kuzma and Grant will present an intriguing matchup, each having the power to significantly impact a game’s outcome. Kuzma’s versatility against Grant’s scoring prowess should provide plenty of entertainment as they each compete to determine its outcome for their respective teams.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
Betting odds for this matchup have yet to be set, but will undoubtedly play an integral part in informing bettors. They will reveal what bettors expect of either team and provide insight into what the betting community anticipates from this encounter.
Washington Wizards Betting Trends
The Wizards have struggled in their recent games, finishing 1-5 but faring much better against the spread. Their 8-5 mark away from home suggests potential to outperform expectations; moreover, their trend of games going OVER in totals suggests these tend to be high-scoring affairs.
Portland Trail Blazers Betting Trends
The Trail Blazers, with a 2-3 record in their last 5 games, share a similar trend against the spread as that seen with the Wizards. Their road games against the spread record is even identical – showing they can compete effectively away games – while their total scores tend towards higher-scoring contests than most teams in their division.
Washington Wizards vs. Portland Trail Blazers 12/21/23 Betting Picks
Analysis and betting trends suggest this matchup will be closely contested. Both teams possess their own individual strengths and weaknesses; with the Wizards having slightly superior offensive play while the Trail Blazers seeming to hold an edge in defense and free throw accuracy. Kuzma and Grant will play key roles in deciding the outcome.
Conclusion: According to NBA free picks, our prediction leans slightly in favor of the Wizards due to their scoring ability; however, this game could go either way due to Trail Blazers’ resilience in away games. Potential bets could include picking Wizards for a narrow win and betting OVER for total points considering both teams’ trends.
Free Pick and Prediction: Portland Trail Blazers 109, Washington Wizards 112.