Game Details
Portland Trail Blazers (27-34 SU, 35-25-1 ATS) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (21-38 SU, 22-37-0 ATS)
NBA Regular Season
Date/Time: March 3, 2025 | 7:00 PM ET
Location: Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, PA
TV: TBD
Betting Odds (via BetMGM)
Point Spread: Philadelphia -3.5 (-102) | Portland +3.5 (-118)
Moneyline: Philadelphia -150 | Portland +125
Total: Over 228.5 (-115) | Under 228.5 (-105)
Game Overview & Betting Trends
Portland comes into this game on a solid stretch, winning four of their last five before dropping a close one to Cleveland on the road. The Blazers covered as 10.5-point underdogs in that matchup and have been strong against the spread (ATS) overall this season at 35-25-1.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, continues to struggle without Joel Embiid, and although they won their latest, they're just 11-20 at home and failing to generate consistency. The Sixers have been a poor ATS team at 22-37-0, and their defense has slipped without Embiid’s presence in the paint.
Both teams have struggled defensively this season, but they also rank in the bottom third of the league in shooting efficiency. Despite that, Portland has seen the Over hit in six of their last ten, while Philly’s defense has been allowing big point totals.
Key Matchups & Analysis
1. Portland’s Offense Without Deandre Ayton & Jerami Grant
Portland is dealing with major injuries, missing Deandre Ayton (calf), Jerami Grant (calf), Robert Williams III (knee), and Matisse Thybulle (ankle). Without Ayton and Grant, the Blazers’ frontcourt is extremely thin, leaving Donovan Clingan as the only real interior presence. That could be a problem against Andre Drummond, who still dominates the boards.
However, Portland’s backcourt has been stepping up, with Anfernee Simons (27 points last game) and Deni Avdija (30 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) carrying the offensive load. If they continue to push the pace, this game could turn into a shootout.
2. Philadelphia’s Offense Without Embiid
The Sixers have been leaning heavily on Tyrese Maxey and Paul George (questionable with a groin injury), but their efficiency has been inconsistent. In their last game, Quentin Grimes exploded for 44 points, while Maxey had a rough 2-for-14 shooting night. Without Embiid, Philly lacks an offensive identity, but they have shown the ability to push tempo.
Against a Portland team that struggles defensively (25th in points allowed per game at 113.5), the Sixers should find ways to score—especially if Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr. continue to produce.
3. Pace & Defensive Struggles = High-Scoring Game?
Both teams rank in the bottom third in defensive efficiency and field goal percentage allowed. Philly’s defense has particularly regressed, allowing teams to shoot 48.7% from the field (30th in the NBA).
Portland, meanwhile, has hit the Over in four of their last five games, largely due to their defensive lapses and increased scoring output. This game profiles as another high-scoring affair.
Betting Pick & Prediction
🔹 Best Bet: Over 228.5 (-115)
This game screams fast pace and questionable defense. Portland has been hitting the Over regularly, while Philly’s defense has been hemorrhaging points, especially without Embiid. Despite back-to-back fatigue for the Blazers, their perimeter shooting should keep them competitive.
The spread is tricky given Philly’s home struggles and Portland’s injuries, but if forced to choose a side, the Blazers +3.5 is worth a look.
Final Score Prediction: Philadelphia 122, Portland 118
🔥 Strong lean on the Over 228.5!
