Portland Trail Blazers (28-38) vs New York Knicks (41-23)
Game Info: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 10:00 pm (Moda Center)
Betting Odds: Portland Trail Blazers +4.5 -- Over/Under: 226 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: BlazerVision
The New York Knicks (41-23) will visit the Portland Trail Blazers (28-38) on March 12, 2025, at Moda Center. The Knicks recently ended a three-game losing streak with a commanding 133-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings, despite the absence of leading scorer Jalen Brunson (26.3 PPG, 7.4 APG), who is sidelined with an ankle injury. In Brunson's stead, Miles McBride stepped up, contributing 21 points and seven assists. Karl-Anthony Towns also delivered a strong performance, leading the team with 26 points and nine rebounds.
Conversely, the Trail Blazers are on a four-game losing streak, with their latest defeat being a 130-120 loss to the Golden State Warriors. Deni Avdija shone in that game, recording 34 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists. Portland is dealing with injuries to key players, including Deandre Ayton (14.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG) and Jerami Grant (14.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG), the latter of whom is questionable for the upcoming game due to a calf injury.
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Josh Hart Over 14.5 Points
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart has been a vital contributor to the team's performance during the 2024-25 NBA season. Over 19 games, he has averaged 13.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting an impressive 59.2% from the field and 36.9% from three-point range. In the Knicks' last game against the Sacramento Kings, Hart made over four three-pointers for the first time since the New Year, contributing to the team's victory despite the absence of Jalen Brunson. This performance highlights Hart's ability to step up when needed and his importance to the team's offensive strategy. Until Jalen Brunson returns to the lineup, expect Josh Hart’s numbers to continue to increase.
Anfernee Simons Over 20.5 Points
Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons is averaging 24.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. His shooting efficiency includes a field goal percentage of 46.2% and a three-point percentage of 39.8%. In recent performances, Simons scored 34 points against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 3, 2025, and matched that with another 34-point game against the Detroit Pistons on March 9, 2025. These consistent high-scoring games highlight his offensive prowess and importance to the Trail Blazers' backcourt. Anfernee Simons doesn’t get enough credit, and he’s becoming one of the better young scorers in the league. We’ve seen him score 27+ points in 5 of his last 6 games. Until I see a decrease in Simon’s production, we can capatalize
Donovan Clingan Under 9.5 Reb
Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan has been making a strong impact in his rookie season, particularly as a rebounder. In a recent game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 3th, Clingan recorded a double-double with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks, helping the Blazers secure a 119-102 victory. The Blazers have a great player in Clingan, but this a tough matchup for him going against this Knicks team. He’ll have to deal with Towns all night long, which isn’t an easy task for a rookie. The Knicks are giving up just 49.3 rebounds per game to opposing teams, which is the fewest in the whole NBA.
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AUTHOR: Brad Francis
