This will truly be a matchup between two of the top tanking teams in the league. With massive long-term stakes on draft positioning between these two franchises, this game could hold much value for both teams, but only if they lose. This won't be a great basketball game, but there are some solid bets to be had.
Brooklyn might be among the most egregious tanking teams this year. The team itself isn’t half bad, winning games earlier this year. In fact, they may have been doing too well, forcing them to sitting players for even the most mild injuries or trade them. It’s not a bad strategy; this team needs to add young talent, but seeing them tank this early in the season is disappointing.
It’s been working, though; the Nets have gone from a respectable 9-10 start at the end of November to a 13-26 record today. It’s been free fall in the rankings after they’ve traded away Dennis Schroder, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Shake Milton. They’ve also been rumored to be shopping Cam Johnson and Cam Thomas. Brooklyn wants nothing more than to tank the season into the ground.
That makes them an intriguing matchup against Portland, a team that’s not unfamiliar with tanking either. Locked in a dead heat at 6th and 7th in the draft order, this win could mean something by the time the draft rolls around.
A matchup like this doesn’t come up often, but in a tankoff, things get messy.
I wouldn’t expect to see any of Brooklyn’s starting backcourt, with Russell, Thomas, and Johnson all likely out. This will leave Ben Simmons and former Blazer Keon Johson to run the show. Neither of whom will likely make a massive impact on the offensive end of the floor.
Brooklyn's only chance of winning in this matchup is through defense. If available, Simmons, Claxton, and Clowney are a solid defensive team while having size at every position.
Portland has struggled against bigger teams this year, but they will be much more talented than this lineup. Unless Portland sits players or has an awful shooting night, they will easily outscore this Brooklyn lineup.
I think Brooklyn out-tanks Portland tonight, with the Blazers easily winning this game at home.
I’ll get this out of the way. Portland should win this game easily. The Nets are sitting most of their roster and will be playing players from deep off their bench. Portland will be missing several key players, but they’re still vastly more talented than the roster Brooklyn is running out.
The Portland backcourt alone should shred Brooklyn, especially if Ben Simmons is out. Simons, Sharpe, and Henderson can easily score in bunches against this group. Even if Simmons is available, he’s only a defensive threat. Offense will be tough for Brooklyn tonight.
The Portland forwards may have an even easier time. The Nets will likely start Ziaire Williams and Noah Clowney, which guys like Camara and Avdija should fly past.
Avdija, in particular, has been on the rise lately. Over his last 10 games, he has averaged 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists with great shooting. He is looking like the player that Portland moved two first-round picks for. Squaring up against Ziaire Williams or Jalen Wilson, Avdija will be able to attack the basket all night.
Other than the wings, Portland has more depth in general. The Portland bench is full of solid rotation players who will probably thrive against Brooklyn. Clingan and Ayton should be able to dominate the paint if Claxton is out. Even if he is playing, the Portland combo of bigs will have the advantage tonight.
Overall, Portland shouldn’t have any issues winning. I doubt this game will be competitive from tipoff. Betting wise, I would say look for the under-on points for Portland’s starters tonight. They’ll probably get pulled early, so guys like Simons or Avdija may fall short on their lines.
Nets Injuries:
Trendon Watford Out
Bojan Bogdanovic Out
Cameron Johnson Out
Nic Claxton Questionable
D’Angelo Russell Out
Ben Simmons Questionable
Cam Thomas Out
Blazers Injuries:
Robert Williams Questionable
Dalano Banton Questionable
Deni Avdija Questionable
Jerami Grant Out
Matisse Thybulle Out
Spread: +6 BKN (-108) / -6 POR (-112)
Total Points: 218
Moneyline: BKN (+200) / POR (-245)
Anfernee Simons Under 23.5 Points (-120)
Deni Avdija Under 26.5 Combined Points + Rebounds + Assists (-110)
Deandre Ayton Under 10.5 Rebounds (-125)
Ben Simmons Under 6.5 Assists (+110)