NBA BUBBLE BUSTER "POP" goes the BOOKS
(NBA) Philadelphia vs. Portland,
Point Spread: -3.50 | -115.00 Portland (Home)
Result: Loss
The Philadelphia 76ers have won three in a row after losing their first game in the bubble. More importantly is they have lost Ben Simmons for the season. They are coming off a 108-101 win over Orlando. Tobias Harris had 23 points, 15 rebounds and four assists in the win. Joel Embiid added 23 points with 13 rebounds. The loss of Simmons will hurt as Al Horford and other players will need to step up their game.

Portland Trailblazers were able to get their injured big men back for the bubble and have looked like a different team. They had won two straight before dropping a 122-117 loss to the LA Clippers. CJ McCollum led the team with 29 points and eight assists, Damian Lillard added 22 points with five assists but missed two free throws with a chance to tie.

The Trailblazers who are still hunting for that eighth spot in the Western Conference. Lillard will come out with a chip on his shoulder after missing those two free throws. The 76ers have not been convincing in their three wins and I like Portland to win this one.

Play on Portland.