Trail Blazers Host Suns in High-Scoring Showdown at Moda Center

The Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns are set to collide at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 8:10 PM local time. The game—broadcast nationally on NBC/Peacock and locally on Rip City Radio 620—comes with more than just playoff implications. It’s a high-stakes clash between two teams whose offensive styles are practically designed to push the pace, rack up points, and test the limits of defensive discipline. And with both squads trending toward overs in recent games, this one could be a shooting gallery.

Home Court Edge and Betting Landscape

The Trail Blazers enter as 2.5-point favorites, according to FOX Sports and iHeartMedia, though Action Network’s odds show a slight discrepancy with Phoenix listed as only 1.5-point underdogs. The over/under fluctuates between 235.5 and 237.5, but most analysts converge around 237.5. The computer model cited by iHeartMedia predicts a 122-117 final score—just above the line—with an expected total of 238.4 points. That’s no fluke. Portland averages 121.5 points per game, and when they clear the Suns’ defensive average of 114.4, they’ve gone 5-4 straight up. But here’s the twist: they’re just 3-6 against the spread in those same games. That’s the kind of inconsistency that keeps bettors awake.

Meanwhile, the Suns, despite being 8-6 on the season, have struggled as underdogs. They’ve been on the wrong side of the spread seven times this year, winning only two. When the moneyline odds hit +118 or higher—exactly where they sit this game—they’re 2-3. That’s not a trend you want to bet on blindly. But their offense? It’s humming. At 47.4% from the field, they’re shooting better than Portland’s own defense allows (also 47.4%). That’s not a coincidence. It’s a matchup problem.

Statistical Tug-of-War

Portland shoots 45.3% from the floor—1.6 percentage points below what the Suns typically surrender. That’s a red flag. If the Blazers can hit their usual rhythm, Phoenix’s defense won’t hold them. And when the Suns score above 122.2 points—the average Portland allows—they’ve gone 3-1 against the spread. That’s the key: Phoenix wins when they score big. The question is, can they do it against a Portland defense that’s been porous at home? The Blazers have allowed 122.2 points per game this season, and in their last five home games, the total has gone over four times.

Even more telling? The public is leaning hard on Portland. Action Network shows 57% of bets and corresponding money flowing to the Trail Blazers. That’s a classic overbet. Sharp money often moves the line the other way. And while the Blazers are 0-5 against the spread in their last five games, they’ve gone over the total in four of those five. The trend isn’t about winning—it’s about scoring. And both teams are built for it.

Recent History: A Tale of Two Februarys

Look back at the last two meetings. On February 1, 2025, Portland won 127-108 as 4-point underdogs. Three days later, they won again, 121-119, despite being 5-point underdogs. Those weren’t flukes. The Suns were favored in both, and both games went over their respective totals—226.5 and 228.5. But then came the December and November 2024 games: Phoenix won both, by 7 and 6 points respectively, as heavy favorites. The pattern? When the Suns aren’t heavily favored, Portland thrives. When they are? The Blazers buckle.

This game sits right in the middle—Portland is only a 2.5-point favorite. That’s not a commanding number. It’s a coin flip with extra points. And with both teams averaging over 118 points per game, and their last six home/away matchups going over the total in five cases, this isn’t a game you bet to stop the clock. It’s one you bet to keep it running.

What’s at Stake Beyond the Box Score

The Trail Blazers are clinging to a playoff spot in the Western Conference. A loss here could drop them into a tie for 10th. The Suns? They’re fighting to stay above the .500 mark while dealing with injuries and inconsistent bench production. This isn’t just about pride—it’s about momentum heading into December’s brutal stretch. Portland’s home crowd at the Moda Center is loud, passionate, and ready to push them over the edge. But Phoenix has shown they can silence crowds when they’re clicking.

Coaches Terry Stotts and Frank Vogel both know this: defense isn’t winning this game. It’s transition buckets, corner threes, and late-game execution. Portland’s backcourt of Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson has been electric lately. Phoenix’s Kevin Durant and Devin Booker? They’ve been cold from deep in three of their last five games. But when they’re hot? They’re unstoppable. The difference might come down to who gets the last shot.

What’s Next?

If Portland covers, they’ll likely gain traction in the West’s crowded middle tier. A loss? Expect questions about their playoff readiness. For Phoenix, a win on the road would be a statement—proof they can win without being the favorite. A loss? More pressure on their front office to make a trade before the deadline.

The Moda Center will be packed. The scoreboard will be flashing. And at 8:10 PM, when the tip-off happens, we won’t be waiting for defense. We’ll be watching for points. Lots of them.