Lakers (24–15) vs. Trail Blazers (20–22) | Game 39 of 82
WHERE TO WATCH AND WHAT TIME
Location: Moda Center — Portland, Oregon
TV: NBA TV, Spectrum SportsNet
Radio: ESPN LA 710 / 1330 KWKW
The Lakers head to Portland in their third matchup against the Trail Blazers and for the second time at the Moda Center. The series is split between the two and Saturday will be the final time they see each other this season.
Luka Dončić will be out against the Blazers after reports by the team on Friday that he’ll miss his eighth game this season because of left groin soreness.
The Lakers are 3-4 in games without him this season and could likely be missing a total of three starters against the Blazers, with Deandre Ayton added to the injury report while still missing Austin Reaves.
The Lakers have lost four of their last five games and are coming off an upset 18-point loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday behind a 30-point night from LaMelo Ball. Dončić had 39 points, while LeBron James posted 29-9-6.
The loss highlighted a struggle they’ve dealt with in defending against this whole season, battling against young, athletic, quick teams.
The Blazers have been on a high-momentum push behind the most improved candidate, Deni Avdija, who averaged 26.1 points a game (8th in the NBA). He recently dropped a season-high 41 points in a one-point win against the Houston Rockets last week, which was one of their eight wins in the last 10 games.
Avdija is doubtful to suit up and will miss his third straight game.
The Blazers have arguably the best high-flying dunker in the NBA in Shaedon Sharpe as their No. 2 option. He’s been the second scoring threat for Portland with 21 points a night. Sharpe has led the team in scoring with Avdija sidelined.
Sophomore starting center Donovan Clingan has posted a double-double average this season and could be in for a big night against an injured Lakers front court with their top two centers questionable to play.
The Blazers sit at 20-22 (9th in the West) on the season and are 11-10 at home.
NOTABLE OPPONENT RANKS AMONG THE NBA
The Blazers have the 23rd-rated offense (113.1) and the 17th-rated defense (115.5) in the NBA. Here are their notable rankings this season:
Luka Dončić (left groin soreness): Out
Jaxson Hayes (left hamstring soreness): Questionable
Deandre Ayton (left knee soreness): Questionable
Austin Reaves (left calf strain): Out
Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain): Out
Deni Avdija (back): Doubtful
Jrue Holiday (calf): Questionable
Jermi Grant (Achilles: Questionable
Kris Murray (lumbar strain): Questionable
Matisse Thybulle (right knee tendinopathy): Out
Scoot Henderson (hamstring): Out
Blake Wesley (fractured foot): Out
The Lakers will wear their white unis, while the Blazers will wear their PDX Carpet—Return Flight City Edition uniform.
The Lakers will play their second night of a back-to-back on Sunday, back home against the Toronto Raptors.