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Phoenix Suns v Portland Trail Blazers Preview – Odds, Lineups and Prediction

By Peter O'Keefe

PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 14: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter at Moda Center on December 14, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 14: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter at Moda Center on December 14, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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Fresh off an exhilarating comeback victory against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, the Phoenix Suns prepare for a two-game road trip starting with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Portland pulled off their their own comeback in their opening game against the Sacramento Kings, claiming a 113-108 win after being down 10 halfway through the third.

The Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers will each be aiming for a 2-0 record as they face off at Moda Center on Friday night.

Fanduel Sportsbook Odds

Phoenix Suns (-194), Portland Trail Blazers (+162)

Spread Line: 4.5

Over/Under Total Points Line: 224.5

*Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Expected Starting Lineups

Phoenix Suns: Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Deandre Ayton

Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons, Josh Hart, Jerami Grant, Jusuf Nurkic

Injury Report

Suns: Landry Shamet (out), Jae Crowder (not with team)

Trail Blazers: Gary Payton II, Olivier Sarr, Trendon Watford (all out)

In good news for Suns fans, neither Devin Booker nor Cameron Johnson are even listed on the injury report. Booker turned his ankle in the third quarter against the Mavericks but played out the game, while Johnson left the game in the fourth with cramps.

Phoenix Suns’ Damion Lee and Devin Booker celebrate against the Mavericks. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns’ Damion Lee and Devin Booker celebrate against the Mavericks. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Key Matchup – The Point-Guard Battle

Chris Paul’s performance against the Mavericks has been highly documented, with the veteran having been stapled to the bench for the final six and a half minutes of the contest. The 37-year-old will be looking to respond and should find things easier against a defensively deficient Portland backcourt.

With Gary Payton II out, the Trail Blazers perimeter defense is incredibly limited, opening up the floor for Paul and Booker to run amok. Portland superstar Damian Lillard put up 20 points against the Kings, but it was hardly a positive performance having missed the majority of last season through injury; he shot just 5-for-18 from the floor and 1-for-8 from three-point range, while the Trail Blazers were -1 with him on the floor.

Prediction

Portland are a major unknown heading into this season — their moves at last season’s trade deadline, including shipping out core players C.J. McCollum, Robert Covington and Norman Powell, had many believing they were ready for a rebuild. But the likes of Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic are still there, they’ve topped up by acquiring Jerami Grant, plus given an exorbitant contract to Anfernee Simons.

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Payton is a big out given the Suns All-Star level backcourt, while the Suns at least have Bridges to place on Lillard if required. Phoenix have the talent advantage in the starting five, and Portland don’t particularly have the bench depth to be able to overcome it. Lillard possesses the firepower to shoot any team off the floor, but his current form suggests that’s extremely unlikely.

Predicted Final Score: Suns win 116-110 

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