In December 2024, the Portland Trail Blazers will depart their defense.
With a defensive rating of 124.4, the team finished lowest in the NBA and had a 3–9 month.
The Los Angeles Lakers, who were coming off a three-game losing skid when they upset the Blazers 107-98 at home on December 8, will be the first team visited in January. The Lakers went on a 6-3 run after that to start Thursday night.
This season, the Lakers’ offense has been marginally better than average, ranking 13th in the NBA with an offensive rating of 112.4. In their first game against the Blazers, they didn’t play very well offensively.
But the Blazers were unable to capitalize due to Portland’s shooting. They committed 17 turnovers as opposed to the Lakers’ 11 and made 9 of 36 three-point attempts (25 percent).
Prediction: Blazers forward Jerami Grant is out, and Lakers center Anthony Davis is doubtful.
The Blazers will begin this five-game trip with a 0-1 record if Davis plays. Portland will have a chance to win if not.
As the new year approaches, teams will be more motivated to win, particularly against clubs like the Blazers that are destined for the lottery and have little chance of winning.
Dropping games to these teams is not something the Lakers (18-14) can afford. They are only three games ahead of the Phoenix Suns (15–17), who are in 11th place in the Western Conference, but they are half a game behind the LA Clippers (19–14).
On December 8, 2024, in Los Angeles, California, Anfernee Simons #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball while Gabe Vincent #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends it during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. (Image courtesy of Getty Images/Meg Oliphant)Getty Pictures
LOS ANGELES LAKERS PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
What: Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Trail Blazers (11–21) vs. Lakers (18–14).
Where: Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena.
Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM) is the radio station.
TV channel: KATU (Portland, antenna: 2.2). Xfinity: 1170 and 302. 688-1 is DirecTV.KUNP (antenna: 47.1). 16, 302, 1170 Xfinity. Spectrum: 184; DirecTV: 47.
Rip City TV Network is the way to watch. An HDTV antenna on your local ABC affiliate (Charge 2.2 in Portland) will allow you to watch this game live for free even if you don’t have cable. These antennas cost about $20 and are very simple to install. You may get one at your neighborhood Fred Meyer or Bi-Mart, or you can buy one online from Amazon or Walmart and have it delivered right to your house. Here are some guidelines for configuring an HDTV antenna on your TV or other display. Use the channel finder here to learn more about the channel that Rip City TV Network is available on in your area.
DraftKings/Oregon Lottery (ODDS)
Moneyline: LAK -395 | POR +310
POR +9 Spread | Over/Under: 225.5
INJURIES
Blazers: Dalano Banton is doubtful due to a left hip contusion.Both Matisse Thybulle (right ankle strain) and Jerami Grant (facial contusion) are not available.
Lakers: Gabe Vincent (left oblique strain) and Anthony Davis (left ankle sprain) are doubtful.Christian Wood (left knee surgery recovery), Jalen Hood-Schifino (left hamstring strain), and Jarred Vanderbilt (right foot surgery recovery) are not available.
UPCOMING
The Blazers visit the Milwaukee Bucks (17-4) on Saturday at 5 p.m.
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Aaron J. Fentress | [email protected]|@AaronJFentress (Facebook), @AaronFentress (Instagram), and @AaronJFentress (Twitter)
