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Lakers vs Trail Blazers: Injury Updates, Team News, Match Preview & Predictions

Published 01/31/2020, 11:08 AM EST

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Match details

Fixture: Portland Trail Blazers vs Los Angeles Lakers

Date & Time: Friday, 31 January 2020, 10:30 PM ET

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Venue: Staples Centre, Los Angeles

Preview- Lakers vs Trail Blazers

An emotional night is expected at the STAPLES Centre on Friday when the Los Angeles Lakers hit the courts for the first time since the tragic loss of their legend Kobe Bryant. But it does not mean discounting the competitive nature of the game.

The Lakers, who are four games clear on top of the Western Conference will look to continue their supremacy in the league. Only Milwaukee Bucks have a better record than the Lakers in the league.

The duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis have led the Lakers from the front. James has been scoring at an average of 25.3 points per game. He is the best in the league in terms of assists per game averaging close to 11 assists per game.

As for the Trail Blazers, their season has been hampered with injuries to a few players. They have, however, managed to stay in contention for a playoff spot. They will be coming into the game after impressive victories against Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets. Their recent rise in form has coincided with impressive performances from Damian Lillard. He has dropped over 30 points in each of the last six games. Lillard registered his first career triple-double in his last game with 36 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.

via Imago

Injury updates & team news

Injuries: Alex Caruso (Neck)- Questionable, JaVale McGee (Illness)- Probable, Anthony Davis (Hip)- Questionable, DeMarcus Cousins (Knee)- Out

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Expected starting line-up: Avery Bradley, Danny Green, LeBron JamesAnthony Davis, Dwight Howard

Injuries: Carmelo Anthony- Expected to be out due to personal reasons, Jusuf Nurkic (Leg)- Out, Zach Collins (Shoulder)- Out, Skal Labissiere (Knee)- Out, Rodney Hood (Achillies)- Out

Expected starting line-up: Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Trevor Ariza, Carmelo Anthony, Hassan Whiteside

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Lakers vs Trail Blazers: Prediction

While the Trail Blazers have won their last two games against opponents with an over 0.500 record, Friday’s game remains a challenge against the team with the second-best record in the league. When the Lakers take to the court on Friday, they will be rejuvenated with a mindset prepared to give a tribute to Kobe Bryant. They will take confidence from the fact that they emerged victorious on the two previous occasions that they faced Portland in the season, and might register their third.

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Written by:

Saketh Kandadai

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