Check out our free Lakers vs Trail Blazers pick and preview for this NBA game in Portland. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.
Lakers vs Trail Blazers NBA Pick & Preview
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Los Angeles Lakers at Portland Trail Blazers
- Where: Portland at Moda Center
- Date: Sunday, January 22nd
- Betting Odds POR -5, LAL +169 | POR -210 O/U 239.0
The Lakers come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 21-25. So far, the team has gone 21-22-3 against the spread. Across the team’s previous 3 games, they have gone 2-1 straight-up and 2-1 vs the spread.
The Lakers are coming off a 122-121 win over the Grizzlies. This away win came despite entering the game as the 6 point underdogs. Los Angeles needed a strong 4th quarter effort in this game, as Grizzlies held a 8 point lead heading into the 4th. Leading the team in scoring was Russell Westbrook, as he contributed 29 points while hitting 55.6% of his shots.
The Trail Blazers come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 21-24. So far, the team has gone 24-21-0 against the spread. Today, the Trail Blazers will be looking to snap a 2 game losing streak. The team has lost these games by an average of -9.5 points per contest.
Portland is trying to bounce back from a 105-95 loss to the 76ers. Going into this game, the team was 1 point underdogs on the spread, giving them an ATS loss. In the loss, Portland got off to a slow start, trailing by 23 points going into halftime. In the loss, Damian Lillard led the team in scoring with 25 points on a field goal percentage of 28.6%.
Head To Head Recap & Stats
I Similar to their season-long average, the Lakers averaged 108.25 points per game vs the Trail Blazers. Just like the Lakers, the Trail Blazers maintained their usual level of scoring in head-to-head matchups, averaging 103.0 points per game vs Los Angeles. In terms of betting, Los Angeles has an ATS record of 3-2 in the previous 5 matchups vs Portland. This mark has come on an average scoring margin of +11 points per game in favor of the Lakers. Los Angeles and Portland averaged a combined 219 points per game in these games, leading to an over-under mark of 2-3.
Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game
The Lakers come into today’s game as one of the better scoring teams in the NBA at 117.0 points per game (7th). Coming into today’s game, the Lakers will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 10.4 made 3’s per game. Despite struggling with their outside shot, Los Angeles remains one of the better offensive units in large part to their ability to get to the charity stripe. So far, the team is averaging 20.2 made free-throws per game.
On defense, the Lakers will look for some improved play, as they are currently the 28th ranked unit in points allowed per game.
One situation to keep an eye on leading up the game is the availability of LeBron James, as he is currently questionable on the injury report. If he is able to play, the team will have it’s 1-2 punch availble as James leads the team in scoring at 29.6 points per game while Westbrook is 2nd at 16.1. For the season, James is 8th in the NBA in usage rate and 15th in player efficiency. Behind him, Westbrook has taken 15.6% of the team’s field goal attempts, connecting at a rate of 42.7%.
Through 45 games, the Trail Blazers are averaging 112.9 points per contest, placing them 17th in the NBA. One area that the Portland offense is finding success, is their ability to get to the free-throw line. So far, the team is averaging 20.0 made free-throws per contest. If the Trail Blazers offense is going to improve, they could look to play at a faster tempo, as they currently average just 97.5 possession per game. This could benefit the team as they are currently one of the better 3-point shooting units in the NBA.
Defensively, Portland has had its problems giving up an average of 115.11 points per game (27th).
Point-Guard Damian Lillard currently leads the Trail Blazers at 29.2 points per game. For the season, he is 11th in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 23.4% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, Lillard is averaging 3.9 boards and 7.2 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 24th ranked defense at defending point-guards. Jerami Grant enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 43 games, he is averaging 21.7 and is 93rd in the league in player efficiency rating.
Lakers vs Trail Blazers Pick
- Free Spread Prediction: Lakers +5
- Free Total Prediction: Under 239.0
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