Date/Time: 12-28-2020, 22:00 EDT Spread: Los Angeles Lakers -4 Total: +226.5
In a rematch of last season’s Western Conference quarterfinals, the LA Lakers (2-1), are hosting the Portland Trail Blazers (1-1). The hosts have back-to-back wins after losing the season opener. For their part, the guests are looking to build a winning streak, after a close home win over Houston. Damian Lillard’s performances so far do not help his team, averaging 20.5 ppg on just 37.5% shooting from the field and 30% from behind the arc.
Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers have a 2-1 record (2-1 ATS, 2-1 O/U) and in their last game, they won Minnesota at home, 127-91, beating the odds. Anthony Davis leads the team both in scoring with 23 ppg and in rebounding with 7.5 per game. He missed yesterday’s game but it looked like load management and will probably play today.
Portland Trail Blazers
Blazers have a 1-1 record (0-2 ATS, 1-1 O/U) and in their last game, they defeated the Rockets at home in overtime, 126-128, not beating the odds. C.J. McCollum leads the team in scoring with 33.5 ppg, adding 3.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.
Head-to-Head
Lakers led the Blazers 6-2 last season, including a 4-1 won quarterfinals series, and were 2-1 at home. They had a 25-10 home record, while the Blazers were 14-24 on the road. The Lakers are better both offensively (124.7 to 114 ppg) and defensively (107.3 to 123 ppg).
Prediction
Bookmakers give the Lakers a -4 spread and expect them to beat the odds. Davis is expected to return tonight and the guests are playing very poorly to pose a threat in the champions’ home court.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers -4 (-108)