PRO BASKETBALL — April 18
PORTLAND at PHOENIX
Wetsern Conference Playoffs
(Suns -8.5, Total 205 — [private] You know, the Blazers have lost 13 of their last 15 appearances in Phoenix, and to boot, they are playing without Brandon Roy, who has elected to have surgery on his knee and will miss the playoffs. That means Portland, which has dealt with injuries all season long, may have to go inside a little more for its scoring, with LaMarcus Aldridge and Marcus Camby (a godsend when acquired from the Clippers) most likely being able to go to work on a Suns front line that is without Robin Lopez and has a poor defender in Amare Stoudamire at the power forward spot. Roy shot only 36% against Phoenix this season, so coach Nate McMillan might find himself some additional offensive efficiency without him. Even though the Suns are 7-0-1 ATS in their last eight at the US Airways Center, this may be an opportunity to take advantage of a number that is perhaps a bit inflated.
THE PLAY: PORTLAND +8.5 **
(All information is for news matter only; All games are graded on a scale of 1-4 stars. Lines are subject to change)
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