The LA Lakers (5-2) and the Portland Trail Blazers (4-2) meet Monday at MODA Center in Portland, Oregon. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Lakers vs. Trail Blazers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Trail Blazers lead 1-0
The Lakers posted a 130-120 victory over the Miami Heat Sunday night, covering as 5-point home favorites as the Over (232) cashed. The point total was a season high for LA, highlighted by 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists from G Luka Doncic, while G Austin Reaves added 26 points, including 4 3-pointers, and 11 assists. Unfortunately for the Lakers, both have been ruled out for Monday’s game.
LA has won 5 of the past 6 games since losing the opener, while also going 5-1 against the spread (ATS). The lone loss and non-cover in that span was a 122-108 setback at home to Portland Oct. 27 (last Monday) as a 3-point underdog with the Over (228) hitting. The Over is 6-1 in the Lakers’ 7 games so far.
Portland nipped the visiting Denver Nuggets 109-107 Friday, cashing as a 5.5-point underdog as the Under (240) easily came through. F Deni Avdija scored 23 points to lead the way, 1 of 6 Blazers to score in double digits. Veteran G Jrue Holiday finished with 11 points and 13 assists for a double-double.
Lakers at Trail Blazers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:17 p.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Lakers +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Trail Blazers -350 (bet $350 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Lakers +8.5 (-105) | Trail Blazers -8.5 (-115)Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)Lakers at Trail Blazers injuries
Lakers
C DeAndre Ayton (back) questionableG Luka Doncic (leg, rest management) outF LeBron James (sciatica) outF Maxi Kleber (abdomen) questionableG Austin Reaves (groin) outF Adou Thiero (knee) outG Gabe Vincent (ankle) out
Trail Blazers
G Scoot Henderson (hamstring) outG Damian Lillard (Achilles) outG Shaedon Sharpe (calf) probableG Matisse Thybulle (thumb) outG Blake Wesley (foot) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Lakers at Trail Blazers picks and predictionsPrediction
Trail Blazers 122, Lakers 108
PASS.
Portland (-350) has played good basketball this season with the addition of the veteran Holiday stabilizing the backcourt. It has needed him, too, as the backcourt is riddled with injuries. The Lakers (+280) won’t be at full strength Monday night.
But at this -350 price — even though the Blazers should roll — it’s not a good strategy to bet on such big favorites.
BET TRAIL BLAZERS -8.5 (-115).
With all the injuries to the Lakers — primarily Doncic, James and Reaves — the Trail Blazers should roll. Portland is a perfect 3-0 ATS on their home floor this season. Of course, LA is 3-0 ATS on the road this season, too, but with Doncic, James and Reaves in street clothes, I’m willing to bet against the Lakers … especially with the Blazers on their home court.
The OVER 228.5 (-105) is the lean, but again, go with a half-unit play at most.
The total went high in the first meeting, ever-so-barely, with 230 combined points on a total of 228. The Over is 6-1 in 7 games for the Lakers, as Doncic and Reaves light it up on a nightly basis — but they won’t be playing in this one.
The Over is 4-2 in 6 tries for the Blazers, and the Over is 2-1 on their home floor, although the Under cashed last time out.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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