The Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night in Portland, aiming to extend their current three-game winning streak. The game is scheduled for 10 p.m. EST and marks a crucial matchup as both teams are positioned closely within the Western Conference standings.
Currently, the Lakers hold a record of 5-2, placing them third in the Western Conference, while the Trail Blazers are just behind at 4-2, sitting in fourth place. The betting line from BetMGM has the Trail Blazers favored by 3.5 points, with the over/under set at 233.5 points.
Last season, the Trail Blazers wrapped up their campaign with a 36-46 record, struggling with a 19-33 mark in conference play. They averaged 110.9 points per game and demonstrated shooting capability with 38.7% from three-point range.
On the other side, the Lakers finished the previous season with an impressive 50-32 overall record and an even stronger 36-16 performance against Western Conference opponents. Their offensive stats included an efficient 47.9% shooting from the field and a solid 36.6% from beyond the arc.
This game marks the second encounter between the two teams this season, with the Trail Blazers leading the series after their 122-108 victory on October 28, where Deni Avdija stood out with 25 points.
In terms of player availability, both teams are facing injuries that could impact their performance. The Trail Blazers will be without Scoot Henderson (hamstring), Matisse Thybulle (thumb), and Damian Lillard, who is out for the remainder of the season due to an Achilles injury. The Lakers are also dealing with several absences including Maxi Kleber (oblique), LeBron James (nerve), Gabe Vincent (ankle), and Adou Thiero (knee), while Deandre Ayton remains a game-time decision due to a back issue.
As the teams prepare to clash, fans are looking forward to seeing how the Lakers can capitalize on their momentum against a Trail Blazers squad that will look to defend their home court and build upon early successes this season.