⚽ Inter Miami vs. Portland Timbers Prediction & Odds: MLS Betting Preview for May 17
Inter Miami are back in action on short rest, this time hosting the Portland Timbers at Nu Stadium in Miami on Sunday. Despite Inter Miami failing to register a first win in their new stadium in four tries, our Inter Miami vs. Portland Timbers prediction is targeting a triumphant day for Lionel Messi.
The hosts are the overwhelming -300 favorites to win tonight (6 p.m. ET on Apple TV) against a Portland team that's +650 and among the worst-performing clubs on the road this season. Along with picking Miami to win, we're also backing Lionel Messi to stay red hot.
🔮 Inter Miami vs. Portland Timbers best bets
See all of our experts' soccer picks based on the latest odds from the best sports betting sites.; picks rated on a 1-to-5 star confidence scale based on betting value.
| Bet | Odds | Units | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inter Miami -1.5 | -130 via DraftKings | 2 units -> 1.54 units | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lionel Messi anytime goal | -334 via bet365 | 2.5 units -> 0.75 units | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Total wagered: 4.5 units | Max profit: 2.29 units
⚽ Inter Miami vs. Portland Timbers prediction
Don't miss the rest of our soccer picks for every game this season.
Inter Miami -1.5 (-130) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Inter Miami are performing like the team that dominated on its way to an MLS title last season. After away wins over Toronto FC and FC Cincinnati, Miami looks poised to break its new stadium curse.
Given that Portland has only registered one away win this season, Inter Miami gets a great shot to win by two-plus goals against a team that concedes an average of two goals per game away from home this season.
Portland might be able to make things interesting against Miami's questionable defense. But, as Miami showed in its 5-3 win over FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, the home team has an explosive offense that can score goals in bunches to cancel out deficiencies at the back.
Score prediction: Inter Miami 4, Portland Timbers 1
🙌 Best Inter Miami vs. Portland Timbers goal-scorer pick
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Lionel Messi, Inter Miami (-334) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
In the middle of a blistering scoring streak, we're backing Messi to find the back of the net again Sunday. The 38-year-old, who has scored four goals in the last three games, is the obvious favorite to score against a Portland defense that conceded 13 goals in the team's last five outings.
Considering that Portland has failed to earn any points this season when trailing at halftime, Messi could put this game to bed early, as more than half of his 11 goals this campaign have been scored in the first half.
With the mounting pressure to win for the first time at the Nu Stadium, Messi could be especially motivated to put on a significant performance to silence critics about the team's shortcomings lately at home.
📊 Inter Miami vs. Portland Timbers odds
Moneyline (3-way)
- Inter Miami: -300 ($10 to win $3.03)
- Portland Timbers: +650 ($10 to win $60)
- Tie: +450 ($10 to win $47.50)
Spread
- Inter Miami: -1.5, -130 ($10 to win $7.69)
- Portland Timbers: +1.5, -105 ($10 to win $9.52)
Over/Under total goals
- Over 3.5 goals: -145 ($10 to win $6.89)
- Under 3.5 goals: +115 ($10 to win $11.50)
📈 Inter Miami vs. Portland Timbers betting trends
| Inter Miami | Statistic | Portland Timbers |
|---|---|---|
| 7-4-2 | Season record | 4-2-6 |
| 1-0-1 | H2H record | 1-0-1 |
| W-D-L-W-W | Last 5 games | L-W-L-W-D |
| Won 5-3 vs. FC Cincinnati | Previous result | Tied 2-2 vs. Montreal |
| Messi recently became the fastest player in MLS history record 100 goal contributions. | Key stat | This will be Portland coach Phil Neville's first game against his former team Inter Miami since being dismissed in 2023. |
🌤️ Inter Miami vs. Portland Timbers weather
It's going to be a physically draining game for the players on Sunday, with the temperature in the mid-80s and 75% humidity in the forecast. Those conditions could result in a slower game as players try to conserve energy.
There's also a 40% chance of thunderstorms during the day, which would make the playing surface slippery come kick-off time.
💡 How I'm betting Inter Miami vs. Portland Timbers
After four games without a win at the Nu Stadium, this is Inter Miami's golden opportunity to give home supporters a reason to cheer at the final whistle. Miami is riding a high after beating Cincinnati in an eight-goal thriller, so it makes sense to back that momentum against a Portland team with one of the league's weakest defenses.
It helps Miami that Portland are at the tail end of a gruelling run in which the team has played five of the last six games (2-1-2) away from home. The sizzling weather forecast could also wreak havoc on the weary squad.
And since Messi is a human cheat code, we're going to keep striking while the iron is hot. The Argentine's four-game scoring streak helped the reigning MLS MVP's tally rise to 11, one behind league leader Hugo Cuypers of the Chicago Fire FC.
📺 How to watch Inter Miami vs. Portland Timbers
- Date: Sunday, May 17
- Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
- Location: Nu Stadium (Miami)
- TV: Apple TV
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