The Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers game will be played on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 10:30 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers, with a record of 18-14, are currently sitting in seventh place in the Western Conference. Their two-game winning streak came to an end in their most recent game, where they lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers 110-122.
The Trail Blazers, on the other hand, are 13th in the West with an 11-21 record. Like the Lakers, they also had a two-game winning streak, which ended when they lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 103-125 in their latest game. The Lakers and Trail Blazers faced off on December 8 earlier this season, with the Lakers securing a 107-98 victory, extending their win streak to four games against Portland. In total, the two teams have played 245 regular-season games, with the Lakers holding a 131-114 edge over the Trail Blazers.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers: Prediction
The Lakers are averaging 111.9 points per game this season, ranking 16th in the league while allowing 114.3 points, which puts them at 20th defensively. They struggle with rebounding, grabbing only 41.2 boards per game, one of the lowest in the NBA, and giving up 44.3 rebounds. Moreover, their three-point shooting averages 11.7 makes per game, with a 35% shooting percentage, placing them in the middle of the pack.
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers score 108.1 points per game but give up 117.3, ranking 25th and 23rd in offense and defense, respectively. They pull down 43.1 rebounds per game but allow 44.6, ranking 23rd and 22nd in the league. Portland’s three-point shooting isn’t much better, with 12 makes per game and a 33.1% shooting rate, one of the worst in the NBA.
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Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers: Probable Starting Lineups
Here are the expected lineups for both teams.
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Los Angeles Lakers
- PG Austin Reaves
- SG Max Christie
- SF Rui Hachimura
- PF LeBron James
- C Anthony Davis
Portland Trail Blazers
- PG Anfernee Simons
- SG Shaedon Sharpe
- SF Toumani Camara
- PF Robert Williams III
- C Deandre Ayton
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers: Injuries Update
The Lakers are dealing with a few injuries ahead of the game. Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood won’t be suiting up, as both of them have been sidelined with knee issues. Gabe Vincent is a game-time decision, dealing with an oblique strain, while Jalen Hood-Schifino is also questionable, nursing a hamstring injury.
Over on the Trail Blazers’ side, Matisse Thybulle is out with an ankle injury, and Dalano Banton is listed as questionable because of a hip problem. Jerami Grant might also miss the game due to a face injury.
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