The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of a three-game losing streak and will have the opportunity to snap it on Wednesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Lakers last played on Sunday in Atlanta and lost to the Hawks, 129-121. Trae Young scored 13 points in the fourth quarter as the Lakers collapsed and were outscored 38-20. In LeBron James’ continued absence, it was Malik Monk who led Los Angeles with 33 points and 10 rebounds.
The Lakers and Blazers are 1-1 against each other this year. Los Angeles closed out 2021 with a 139-106 win against Portland on Dec. 31.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Blazers odds, spread, over/under:
The Lakers are the 3.5-point favorites over the Blazers and sit at -160 on the moneyline. Meanwhile, Portland is +130 on the moneyline. The over/under for the game is set at 223.5 points.
Both Los Angeles and the Blazers are 21-30 against the spread this year.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Blazers prediction:
James will be out on Wednesday against Portland and both Anthony Davis (wrist) and Monk (left groin soreness) are listed as probable. If for some reason those two don’t play, the chances of the Lakers losing their fourth-straight game will drastically rise.
Portland sits at No. 10 in the West with a 21-30 record, one spot behind Los Angeles. The Lakers have been riddled with injuries but so have the Blazers. Anfernee Simmons has been Portland’s spark in Damian Lillard’s absence and he’s probable for tonight’s matchup but big man Jusuf Nurkic is listed as day-to-day.
Truthfully, it feels like Los Angeles is going to find a way to lose tonight. The Lakers have struggled to get into a groove all season long and they’ve yet to find a way to win since James last played on Jan. 25.
I’m going with the Blazers +3.5 and over 223.5 points with a final score prediction of Portland 115, Los Angeles 109.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Blazers TV channel:
The Lakers-Blazers game won’t be broadcast nationally but will be available on NBA TV. For those who live in the Los Angeles area, it’ll be available on Spectrum SportsNet. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Pacific.
Los Angeles Lakers schedule and upcoming games:
Los Angeles has its second half of a back-to-back tomorrow and will then host two Eastern Conference opponents.