Blazers vs. Lakers Prediction
Will the Los Angeles Lakers be able to harness their emotions and put together a strong showing when they host the Portland Trail Blazers tonight at 10:30PM ET?
513 Portland Trail Blazers vs. 514 Los Angeles Lakers
Friday, January 31, 2020
10:30PM ET – STAPLES Center
TV: ESPN
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, the Lakers are the clear favorite in this game, as they are getting odds of -12.5 points against the Blazers. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 229.5 points. The public betting currently has 56 percent going on the Lakers as the home favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Blazers heating up
Portland has won three of its last four, including back-to-back wins over the Pacers and the Rockets this week. The Blazers are 21-27 on the season, 9-16 on the road, 18-28-2 against the spread and 25-23 with the over.
The Blazers are giving up 114.8 points per game while opponents shoot 45.4 percent against them. Offensively, Portland is putting up 113 points per game while shooting 45.4 percent as a team. Carmelo Anthony may not play tonight. He has been away from the team for personal reasons, but hasn’t been officially ruled out. Damian Lillard is leading the Blazers this season with 29 points, 4.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game. CJ McCollum is adding 21.6 points per contest.
Lakers return to action
Los Angeles is playing in its first game since the passing of Kobe Bryant, as their scheduled game on Tuesday was postponed. Los Angeles is coming off a 108-91 loss at Philadelphia last Saturday. The Lakers are 36-10 on the season, 16-5 at home, 24-21-1 against the spread and 24-22 with the under.
The Lakers are putting up 113.5 points per game on offense this year while shooting a league-best 48.4 percent from the field. Defensively, Los Angeles is giving up 106.3 points per game while opponents shoot 44.2 percent from the floor. Anthony Davis is dealing with a tailbone injury and is listed as questionable tonight. He averages 26.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. LeBron James is leading the way with 25.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 10.7 assists per contest.
NBA Betting Trends
Portland
The Blazers are 3-9 against the spread in their last 12 road games and 2-6 ATS in their last eight games as a road underdog.
Los Angeles
The Lakers are just 1-4 against the spread in their last five games as a favorite, but 3-1-1 ATS in their last five Friday games.
Prediction:
The Lakers have won two games in Portland already this season, covering the spread in both. This is a big spread tonight, but the circumstances are obviously a bit unique. This is going to be a celebration of Kobe Bryant and this game will mean a lot to the Lakers. I would expect Davis to go unless the injury is really severe. I would also expect LeBron to be driven to really put on a show tonight in honor of Kobe. There’s a chance the emotions could be too much for the Lakers to deal with on the floor, but I have to go with them as a sentimental pick if anything.
NBA Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers -12.5