Both teams will attempt to lengthen their winning streaks as the Portland Trail Blazers (37-26) meet the Los Angeles Lakers (28-34) at Staples Center. The Trail Blazers are riding a six-game winning streak, while the Lakers have won five games in a row. The game will air on NBATV at 10:30 p.m. ET on Monday, March 5, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 223 points with Portland set as a 2-point favorite.
Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers Free Prediction
The Trail Blazers come in on a high note after topping the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last contest, 108-100. The Trail Blazers, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.7, had a great mark of 31.1, while the Thunder had a free throw rate of 0.154 (below their season average of 0.190). With 28 points on 10-for-20 shooting, CJ McCollum was Portland’s leading scorer.
In the Lakers’ last matchup, they defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 116-112. The Lakers made 21 of their 27 free throws (77.8 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.516 vs. 0.485). With 18 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds, Lonzo Ball had a solid game for Los Angeles.
Los Angeles might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they battle against one of the league’s best defenses. Portland currently ranks seventh in defensive efficiency while the Lakers rank 25th in offensive efficiency.
Portland heads into the contest with records of 37-26 straight up (SU) and 32-25-6 against the spread (ATS). Trail Blazers games have typically gone under the O/U total (57.1 percent).
Meanwhile, Los Angeles is 28-34 SU and 35-27 ATS. Contrary to Portland, games involving the Lakers have typically finished over the projected point total (56.5 percent).
A number of players have played at a high level over the last five games for Los Angeles. Julius Randle has led the way, averaging 19.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (18.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals) and Isaiah Thomas (16.6 points and 4.8 assists) have also been superb.
The Trail Blazers have emerged victorious in both matchups against the Lakers this year, escaping with a narrow 95-92 victory the last time these teams met. Portland covered as a 3-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 187 points, which was 13.5 points below the projected point total of 200.5 points. The Trail Blazers’ 9.8 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Lakers, who had a rate of 15.3. Shabazz Napier was a standout player in the game, putting up 21 points and five assists.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Portland is 17-12-3 ATS with 19 unders and 13 overs.
Los Angeles is 17-12 ATS at home with 16 overs and 13 unders.
Los Angeles is 11-3 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Portland is 20-5.
When scoring over 100 points, the Lakers are 25-21 and the Trail Blazers are 32-13.
Los Angeles ranks second in fast break points per game (17.3) while Portland ranks last (7.6).
The Trail Blazers rank fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (42.1) while the Lakers rank 29th (48.8).
Los Angeles ranks sixth in assists per game (23.9) while Portland ranks last (19.1).
The Trail Blazers rank 11th in second chance points per game (12.9) while the Lakers rank last in second chance points allowed per game (13.7).
Portland ranks eighth in blocks per game (5.1) while Los Angeles ranks 26th in blocks allowed per game (5.7).
The Trail Blazers rank fourth in three pointers allowed per game (26.5) while the Lakers rank 22nd (30.2).
Portland ranks sixth in rebounds per game (45.0) while Los Angeles ranks 24th in rebounds allowed per game (45.0).
The Lakers rank 12th in steals per game (8.1) while the Trail Blazers rank 27th (7.0).
Los Angeles ranks 16th in points off turnovers per game (16.5) while Portland ranks 26th (14.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Portland is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Los Angeles is 5-0 ATS with 5 overs over their last five games.
The Trail Blazers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.0, up from 1.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 121.4 points per game (13.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 107.8 points per game (2.2 below their season average).
