Overview
- Tipoff is 7:00 p.m. PT at Moda Center with coverage on NBA TV and Spectrum SportsNet.
- Portland won the first meeting 122-108 last week, when Deni Avdija led the Blazers and Luka Dončić was sidelined.
- The Lakers enter at 5-2 after a 130-120 win over Miami, while Portland is 4-2 following a 109-107 victory over Denver.
- Key absences persist: Portland is without Damian Lillard (season-ending Achilles), Scoot Henderson and Matisse Thybulle, while the Lakers list LeBron James, Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent and Adou Thiero out, with Deandre Ayton’s status to be determined after a back issue.
- Dončić has powered Los Angeles with a franchise-record 165 points through his first four games as Portland leans on Avdija, Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday to drive a turnover-heavy defense.