Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers 1/21/24 – The NBA calendar presents an intriguing matchup as the struggling Portland Trail Blazers (11-29) face off against the middle-of-the-pack Los Angeles Lakers (21-21) in a game that promises to be an excellent test for both teams. This meeting, scheduled for Sunday, is not just a battle between two teams with contrasting fortunes this season but also a chance for bettors to make informed decisions with the latest NBA free picks.
| When: | Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 10:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Crypto.com Arena |
| TV: | SportsNet LA |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Hustle on 💯
▫️ 13 PTS
▫️ 12 REB
▫️ 1 BLK pic.twitter.com/ufZGwyIk4R— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) January 20, 2024
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trail Blazers | TBD | TBD | TBD |  |
| Lakers | TBD | TBD | TBD | |
| ||||
Anfernee Simons (SG) vs. Anthony Davis (PF)
Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trail Blazers has been an impressive player this season, starting 19 out of 21 games and averaging 22.9 points per game while playing 33 minutes per night – an impressive average given his modest rebounding and assist totals, but his scoring prowess keeps Portland competitive most games; though his 2.3 turnovers per game could present issues against an opponent such as Los Angeles Lakers who may try and exploit any weakness they find.
Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers has been an unstoppable force. His impressive stats across 40 games – 25.2 points and 12.2 rebounds per game – highlight his importance to their squad. Furthermore, Davis’ defensive prowess with 2.5 blocks per game will help curb Simons and Blazers offense while his tendency for fouls (2.6 per game) could prove exploitative for Simons and company.
Simons and Davis will play an instrumental role in determining the flow and outcome of this game, pitting Simons’s offensive skills against Davis’s defensive strength in an on-court duel that may determine its course or outcome, with Davis’ ability to alter shots and control paint potentially neutralizing Simons’s scoring threat.
Trail Blazers’ Struggle for Consistency: A Closer Look
The Trail Blazers’ season statistics present a picture of an inconsistent team. While their average of 107.2 points per game is respectable, their field goal percentage of 43.2% suggests inefficient shot selection. Their overreliance on three-point shots (35.4% 3-PT FG) can lead to fast scoring spurts that quickly fade when shots don’t fall; moreover, their 14.3 turnovers per game present an opportunity that the Lakers could exploit.
Lakers’ Balanced Attack: Strength in Numbers
Conversely, the Lakers have been more effective offensively, scoring an average of 114.4 points per game on 48.8% shooting from the field and boasting 27.8 assists per game and better ball control (13.8 turnovers per game). Furthermore, their strong defensive rebounding (34.8 per game) could limit second-chance opportunities available to Portland Trail Blazers which could prove decisive in a close match-up.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
The betting odds are yet to be determined, but based on current form and statistics, the Lakers might be slight favorites. However, bettors should keep an eye on the spread and over/under, as these could offer more value depending on the final lines set by bookmakers.
Trends
Portland Trail Blazers Betting Trends
Trail Blazers are 1-4 in their last 5 games.
Portland Trail Blazers are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread
Trail Blazers are 10-12 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Trail Blazers’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 8 of Trail Blazers’ 18 last games at home
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
Lakers are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
LA Lakers are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread
Lakers are 8-12 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Lakers’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 7 of Lakers’ 23 last games at home
Injuries
Portland Trail Blazers
Robert Williams PF Is out for season, Knee
Anfernee Simons SG Is “?” Sunday vs LA Lakers, Illness
Moses Brown C Is out indefinitely, Wrist
Shaedon Sharpe PF Is “?” Sunday vs LA Lakers, Groin
Scoot Henderson PG Left last game, is “?” Sunday vs LA Lakers, Nose
Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James SF Is probable Sunday vs Portland, Ankle
Cam Reddish SG Is “?” Sunday vs Portland, Knee
Gabe Vincent PG Is out indefinitely, Knee
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Picks
In conclusion, the Lakers seem to be the safer bet based on their recent form and overall team statistics. However, the Trail Blazers, with Simons leading the charge, cannot be counted out entirely. The key will be whether Portland can overcome their inconsistency and whether the Lakers can capitalize on their home-court advantage.
For bettors looking for value, the over/under might be an interesting option, especially with the Lakers’ tendency to be involved in high-scoring games at home. As always, those looking for the best online casino to place their bets should consider these trends and statistics carefully. Sign up today to make your NBA betting prediction!
Score Prediction: Lakers 115, Trail Blazers 108.
