The Los Angeles Lakers (24-15) are set to face off against the Portland Trail Blazers (20-22) this weekend in what marks their third and final matchup of the season. The game will take place at the Moda Center, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. PT on January 17. Fans can catch the action on NBA TV and Spectrum Sportsnet.
After the Lakers showcased one of their strongest performances this season with a victory against the Atlanta Hawks, they stumbled in their subsequent game against the Charlotte Hornets, which exposed their defensive vulnerabilities. The inconsistency of the Lakers’ defense has been a glaring issue, as they currently rank 26th in the NBA. There are growing concerns about the lack of defensive prowess among several players on the team, raising questions about who will rise to the challenge in this upcoming game.
The Blazers enter the contest having won seven of their last ten games, including victories over the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and even the Boston Celtics. Their recent performance has shown that they can be unpredictable, particularly as key players such as Deni Avdija, Jrue Holiday, and Jerami Grant have been listed as questionable or doubtful for the game.
For the Lakers to secure a win, they will need to tap into their strong road record of 13-7 and demonstrate determination to break free from their recent inconsistencies. The challenge will not be small, especially with injuries impacting both teams. The Lakers have Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes listed as questionable, while Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Adou Thiero are confirmed to be out. On the other hand, the Blazers are dealing with their own injury struggles, including key players like Damian Lillard and Scoot Henderson being ruled out.
While the Blazers rank 29th in the league in three-point shooting, the Lakers’ perimeter defense has been suspect, raising the possibility that the Blazers could capitalize if they have an unusually good night shooting the ball.
The stakes are high for both teams heading into this matchup, and fans are hopeful the Lakers can channel their earlier road successes and engage in a focused, aggressive effort that shuns their recent lapses in performance. With potential shifts in player lineup due to injuries, this game could serve as a pivotal moment for both franchises as they seek to build momentum in the second half of the season.