Update: LeBron James (foot) is available, while Luka Doncic (calf) is out. The Blazers have three players available: Scoot Henderson (right ankle sprain), Robert Williams III (right knee discomfort), and Jerami Grant (right knee soreness).
The Portland Trail Blazers take on the Los Angeles Lakers at the Moda Center on Thursday night in their first game since the All-Star break.
Prior to the trade deadline, the Lakers made one of the most startling moves in NBA history when they sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic.
It doesn’t sound like much fun to play the Doncic and LeBron James tandem, but the Lakers are 1-2 against them thus far.
This includes the Charlotte Hornets’ (14-39) 100-97 home defeat on Wednesday night. The Lakers and Utah Jazz played two games in a row before the break (13-41).
The Lakers, who are currently sixth in the Western Conference and 1.5 games ahead of the LA Clippers (31-23), are not looking good after losing to two of the poorest teams in the NBA.
Doncic and James will probably play in the second game of a back-to-back since the Lakers will be coming to Portland wanting to win.
To overcome the Blazers, who are desperate to keep trying to secure a play-in spot, the Lakers most likely need both.
Five games behind 10th place, the Blazers have a big climb ahead of them, but they should be in good shape. Robert Williams III (knee), Jerami Grant (knee), and Scoot Henderson (ankle) are doubtful but should participate following two productive practices.
Chauncey Billups, the coach of the Blazers, stated on Wednesday that everyone practiced again today. Everyone was cool. Thus, we had yet another pleasant day.
According to Billups, he anticipated seeing the same Doncic that led Dallas.
According to Billups, great players don’t really alter when they switch teams. He plays similarly. The ball is going to be in his hands. He is essentially unstoppable. You must make every effort to oppose him. With him, nothing changes. He will remain the same person.
According to Billups, he anticipates a lively game at the Moda Center.
“There’s going to be a lot of hoopla around that game whenever you play against great players,” Billups said. The sensation is different. It makes you feel a little different. And it’s clear from their history that the Lakers do that, period.
Forecast: Due to a left calf injury, Blazers starting center Deandre Ayton will be sidelined for a minimum of three more weeks. Williams will support Donovan Clingan, who will start at center. They should exploit the Lakers’ inability to replace Davis with a reliable center, which will be an issue for them for the remainder of the season. Rip City prevails.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
What: Thursday at 7 p.m., Trail Blazers (23-32) vs. Lakers (32-21).
Where: Moda Center.
Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM) is the radio station.
TV channel: KATU (Portland, antenna: 2.2). Xfinity: 1170 and 302. 688-1 is DirecTV.KUNP (antenna: 47.1). 16, 302, 1170 Xfinity. Spectrum: 184; DirecTV: 47.
Rip City TV Network is the way to watch. An HDTV antenna on your local ABC affiliate (Charge 2.2 in Portland) will allow you to watch this game live for free even if you don’t have cable. These antennas cost about $20 and are very simple to install. You may get one at your neighborhood Fred Meyer or Bi-Mart, or you can buy one online from Amazon or Walmart and have it delivered right to your house. Here are some guidelines for configuring an HDTV antenna on your TV or other display. Use the channel finder here to learn more about the channel that Rip City TV Network is available on in your area.
DraftKings/Oregon Lottery (ODDS)
Moneyline: LAK -120 | POR +100
Spread: Over/Under: 225 | POR +1.5
INJURIES
Blazers: Robert Williams III (right knee soreness), Jerami Grant (right knee soreness), and Scoot Henderson (right ankle sprain) are dubious.Both Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain) and Deandre Ayton (left calf strain) are sidelined.
Lakers: LeBron James is available despite managing a left foot issue.Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery), Jared Vanderbilt (right foot surgery management), and Luka Doncic (left calf injury management) are not available.
UPCOMING
At 7 p.m. on Saturday, the Blazers take on the Hornets.
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Aaron J. Fentress | [email protected]|@AaronJFentress (Facebook), @AaronFentress (Instagram), and @AaronJFentress (Twitter)
