Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 2, 2025

The Portland Trail Blazers get another shot at the LA Lakers on Thursday. Portland, which lost 107-98 on Dec. 8, hopes to even the season series. Jerami Grant is out, but Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons are ready to lead the team.

Meanwhile, the Lakers will try to bounce back from a 122-110 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. LeBron James has been cleared to play, but Anthony Davis is iffy due to a left ankle sprain. Austin Reaves, who had an impressive game in the loss to the Cavaliers, is expected to help James carry the Lakers.

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Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips

Crypto.com Arena will host the Blazers-Lakers showdown. Basketball fans can watch the action by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Blazers (+320) vs. Lakers (-400)

Odds: Blazers (+8.5) vs. Lakers (-8.5)

Total (O/U): Blazers (o225.5 -110) vs. Lakers (u225.5 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers preview

Without LeBron James, Anthony Davis dominated the Portland Trail Blazers in their first meeting. AD finished the game with 30 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks, two steals and one assist. Davis is questionable, but if he plays, the Blazers must slow him down.

Deandre Ayton put up solid numbers, ending the game with 14 points, 19 rebounds and one blocked, but was largely outmatched. If Ayton can contain Davis or match the All-Star big man’s production, the Blazers can pull off an upset.

James is healthy in the rematch, giving JJ Redick another weapon to throw at the Blazers. Who guards the 40-year-old great remains to be seen with Jerami Grant out. Deni Avdija might get the first crack at shadowing James, but he will need help.

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Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers predicted starting lineups

Blazers

PG: Anfernee Simons | SG: Shaedon Sharpe | SF: Toumani Camara | PF: Deni Avdija | C: Deandre Ayton

Lakers

PG: Austin Reaves | SG: Max Christie | SF: LeBron James | PF: Rui Hachimura | C: Anthony Davis

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Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers betting tips

Austin Reaves is averaging 22.1 points per game in December. Over his last three games, he has arguably been the Lakers’ best player. He averaged 29.0 PPG on 50.0% shooting, including 44.4% from deep with 12.0 APG and 8.3 RPG. AR likely tops his 18.5 (O/U) points prop.

Shaedon Sharpe scored 19 points in the first Lakers-Blazers meeting and averaging 18.0 PPG in December. Over his last three games, he is norming 20.7 PPG on 50.0% shooting. Portland is desperate for Sharpe to get buckets, making it likely he will score over 17 points on Thursday.

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Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers prediction

The LA Lakers have been playing well but ran into a buzzsaw when they faced the Cleveland Cavaliers. They should get back to the win column against the Portland Trail Blazers. LA could win and beat the -8.5 spread if Anthony Davis plays. If AD is out, the Blazers could cover the same spread.