Portland Trail Blazers (11-29) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (21-21)
As the NBA season heats up, we turn our attention to an intriguing matchup set for Sunday, between the struggling Portland Trail Blazers and the .500 Los Angeles Lakers. This game promises to be a pivotal moment for both teams. For basketball betting enthusiasts, this is a golden opportunity to make basketball winning picks, as the Lakers aim to capitalize on their home-court advantage.
The Trail Blazers’ season has thus far been one of missed opportunities and lackluster performances, scoring 107.2 points per game with an FGP% of 43.2%. Their offensive efforts have been subpar at best; their 12.4 made three-point shots per game don’t pay dividends as expected (35.4% success rate from beyond the arc) nor do their average 8.1 steals and 4.6 blocks per game defend adequately while their high turnover rate (14.3) and foul troubles (20.5 fouls per game) put them at a distinct disadvantage from their opponents.
Los Angeles Lakers have shown more promise. Their offense, averaging 114.4 points per game on average, has been more efficient, thanks in part to a higher field goal percentage of 48.8% and less reliance on three-pointers yet still an efficiency rating of 35.9% from downtown. Defensively, the Lakers excel with 7.7 steals and an impressive 5.5 blocks per game to disrupt opponents’ plays; their more disciplined approach can be seen through lower turnover (13.8 per game) and foul (16.7 per game) rates.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game Info
| When: | Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Crypto.com Arena |
| TV: | SportsNet LA |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Anfernee Simons (SG) vs. Anthony Davis (PF)
Anfernee Simons has taken a big step this season, averaging career highs in points (22.9), assists (4.9) and minutes (33) per game. He has scored 30+ points five times, including a 45 point outburst against the Nuggets on January 13th. Simons is prone to cold shooting nights though, as evidenced by 4-for-17 and 2-for-14 performances last week.
Anthony Davis continues to battle injuries, but has played like an MVP candidate when healthy. He is averaging 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.5 blocks per contest. Davis should feast in the paint against a Trail Blazers team that lacks rim protection outside of Jusuf Nurkic. His ability to dominate will be key to a Lakers win.
This matchup will likely decide the game. If Simons heats up from three, it could spell trouble for LA. But if Davis controls the paint, Portland will have no answer defensively. Our bet is on Davis putting up a monster stat line to lead the Lakers to victory on their home court.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined. However, considering the Lakers’ stronger record and home-court advantage, they are likely to be the favorites. Bettors should keep an eye on the spread and moneyline as they become available, as they could offer valuable insights into the expected game dynamics.
Portland Trail Blazers Betting Trends
The Trail Blazers are 1-4 straight up and 2-3 against the spread over their previous five contests. They have been extremely unreliable for bettors, going just 16-24 ATS on the year. Portland is 2-8 straight up and 3-7 ATS over their last 10 road games as well. Backing the Trail Blazers, especially on the road, has been a losing strategy all season.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
The Lakers have found more consistency lately, going 3-2 straight up and ATS in their last five matchups. They are above .500 against the spread on the year at 20-19. LA is 13-10 straight up at Crypto.com Arena but just 8-12 ATS at home. Their ability to cover big numbers on their home court is questionable.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers 1/21/24 Betting Picks
Given the Lakers’ overall performance and home-court advantage, they emerge as the safer bet in this matchup. However, bettors should approach with caution, considering the Lakers’ inconsistency against the spread. The total points market might be more appealing, especially if the line is set considering both teams’ recent trends. The Lakers’ stronger offense and better defensive record suggest they could control the game’s pace.
In terms of prop bets and over/under, focusing on individual player performances, especially those of Davis, could be lucrative. The top live betting website may offer dynamic odds that could present opportunities for in-game betting based on the flow of the match.
