The Los Angeles Lakers (19-3) look to prolong their 10-game road winning streak in a matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers (9-13) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The game starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, December 6, 2019, and will air on ESPN.
Los Angeles opened as a 3.5-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 221.5 points.
Los Angeles Lakers at Portland Trail Blazers ATS Prediction
The Lakers come in on a high note after thoroughly outplaying the Utah Jazz in their last matchup, 121-96, as 2-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (217) came in over the projected point total of 211.5. The Lakers had a fantastically low turnover percentage of 6.5 (better than their season average of 13.2) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.589 (above their season average of 0.541). Los Angeles was lifted by LeBron James, who contributed 20 points and 12 assists.
The last time the Trail Blazers took the court, they were victorious over the Sacramento Kings, 127-116, covering as 5.5-point favorites. The game’s total points (243) were well over the O/U total of 216.5. Portland’s 0.655 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Sacramento, who had a rate of 0.521. The Trail Blazers’ mark was above their season average of 0.516. With 22 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists, Portland’s Hassan Whiteside had a good performance.
After splitting four games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Trail Blazers won the most recent contest 104-101. One of Portland’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 19-22 (86.4 percent), while the Lakers were just 11-17 (64.7 percent).
Los Angeles holds records of 19-3 straight up (SU) and 13-9 against the spread (ATS). Of the Lakers’ 22 games, 13 have finished under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Portland is 9-13 SU and 10-11-1 ATS. Unlike Los Angeles, just over half of Trail Blazers games have finished over the total.
Ball protection could play a key role in this battle. Portland commits the fourth-fewest miscues in the league (turnover percentage of 12.9 percent), while the disruptive defense of Los Angeles forces the fourth-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.5 percent).
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers ATS Pick
NBA Pick: ATS Winner – Trail Blazers, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
On the road, Los Angeles is 6-5 ATS with 6 unders and 5 overs.
At home, Portland is 3-5 ATS with 5 overs and 3 unders.
Los Angeles is 8-0 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Portland is 2-0.
When scoring above 100 points, the Lakers are 16-3 and the Trail Blazers are 9-11.
Los Angeles averages 15.4 second chance points per game, which ranks third in the league. Portland ranks last in second chance points allowed per game (15.8).
The Lakers rank fourth in points in the paint per game (53.3) while the Trail Blazers rank 28th (43.5).
Los Angeles ranks fifth in assists per game (26.5) while Portland ranks 29th (20.3).
The Lakers rank sixth in steals per game (8.7) while the Trail Blazers rank 29th (5.9).
Los Angeles ranks eighth in points off turnovers per game (18.4) while Portland ranks 29th (13.6).
The Lakers rank sixth in rebounds allowed per game (42.5) while the Trail Blazers rank 26th (48.3).
Los Angeles ranks third in fast break points per game (17.7) while Portland ranks 19th in fast break points allowed per game (13.7).
The Lakers rank first in blocks allowed per game (3.3) while the Trail Blazers rank 16th (5.5).
Portland ranks 14th in three pointers attempted per game (33.4) while Los Angeles ranks 25th (29.7).
Over its last five games, Los Angeles is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Portland is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Lakers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.2, up from 9.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Trail Blazers have scored an average of 116.8 points per game (3.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 109.8 points per game (5.0 below their season average).
