NBA Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers
Date: 31 December 2021
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Portland Trail Blazers on new year’s eve as both teams go head to head for the second time in the 2021-22 NBA season. In their last matchup, the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Lakeshow 105-90.
Los Angeles Lakers Season so far
The Los Angeles Lakers have been struggling with a record of 17-19 as the seventh seed in the Western Conference. The Lakeshow has won four out of their last ten games while averaging 107.7 points, 44.8 rebounds, 23.7 assists, 7.8 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.3 points per game.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 30, 2021
The Lakers are led by the legendary LeBron James, who is averaging 31.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists while shooting 56.0% from the field and 42.7% from the three-point line over the last 10 games. King James in year 18 has turned back the time as he is tied with Kevin Durant for the most 30 point games in the 2021-22 NBA season.
Portland Trail Blazers season so far
The Portland Trail Blazers had a dismal 2021-22 NBA season with a record of 13-21 as the 12th seed in the West. Rip City has won only two games out of their last ten games while putting up 105.4 points, 41.9 rebounds, 21.0 assists, 6.9 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 43.9% from the field. The Trail Blazers have allowed 112.5 points per game as the fifth-worst defence in the league.
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— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 28, 2021
The struggling Portland is led by Damian Lillard, who is averaging 31.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting 42.0% from the field and 38.3% from the three-point line over the last 10 games. With Lillard, Jusuf Nurkic is averaging 13.3 points and 9.9 rebounds for the Trail Blazers.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers Match Prediction
The Portland Trail Blazers are the favourites to win this game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Blazers have fatigue and rest advantage as well. This will only be their third game in 10 days since they had one of their games postponed last week. The Lakers, on the other hand, are returning home after playing a series of back-to-back games on the road. Hence, the Portland Trail Blazers are most likely to win this game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James – Abdomen – Game Time Decision
Kendrick Nunn – Knee – Expected to be out until at least Jan 14
Avery Bradley – Head – Game Time Decision
Trevor Ariza – Covid-19 – Game Time Decision
Kent Bazemore – Covid-19 – Game Time Decision
Rajon Rondo – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 7
Anthony Davis – Knee – Expected to be out until at least Jan 20
Portland Trail Blazers
Nassir Little – Ankle – Game Time Decision
Brandon Williams – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 5
Anfernee Simons – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 7
Dennis Smith Jr. – Covid-19 – Game Time Decision
Robert Covington – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 3
Keljin Blevins – Covid-19 – Game Time Decision
Ben McLemore – Covid-19 – Game Time Decision
CJ McCollum – Chest – Expected to be out until at least Jan 5
Trendon Watford – Covid-19 – Game Time Decision
Jusuf Nurkic – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 5
Cody Zeller – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 5
How to watch Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers?
Root Sports Plus and Spectrum SportsNet will be the local broadcasters for the game between the LA Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers. The match will also be available online via the NBA League Pass.
Also read: NBA Injury Update: When Will Anthony Davis Return From MCL Sprain?