The Los Angeles Lakers are riding a three-game winning streak as they head to Portland for a tough rematch. But a key question hangs over the team ahead of tipoff. The status of starting center Deandre Ayton is the primary concern for fans and the team alike after he missed their last contest.

The Lakers have ruled him questionable as he continues to deal with back spasms. This marks the second consecutive game he will miss due to this injury. Subsequently, the team listed him as questionable on the injury report. The issue first appeared during warmups before Friday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Ayton felt tightness after an alley-oop play and was eventually pulled from that game at halftime. Head coach JJ Redick said the center is still feeling tightness and is day-to-day. The team is taking a cautious approach with his recovery.

His absence is a significant blow to the Lakers’ frontcourt. Ayton has been an important piece for the team, averaging nearly fifteen points and eight rebounds per game this season. His role in defense and rebounding has been a key part of the team’s early success.

The Lakers have a lengthy injury report heading into this road game. Alongside Deandre Ayton, the team will be without several other players. LeBron James is still out due to a nerve issue, and he is not expected to return until mid-November.

Gabe Vincent is also sidelined with an ankle injury. He is expected to miss two to four weeks of action. Forwards Maxi Kleber and Adou Thiero are out as well with an oblique strain and a knee issue respectively.

The Trail Blazers have their own injury concerns to manage. Star guard Damian Lillard is out for the entire season as he recovers from an Achilles injury. Scoot Henderson is out with a hamstring issue, and Matisse Thybulle will miss four to six weeks following thumb surgery. Shaedon Sharpe, however, is listed as probable with calf soreness.

Lakers vs Trail Blazers predicted lineups

The predicted starting lineups for both teams are shaped by their current injury situations.

Since Ayton is unavailable, Jaxson Hayes is expected to start at center for the Lakers. He started in the previous game against the Miami Heat and will be tasked with handling Portland’s interior.

The Trail Blazers will likely start Jrue Holiday and Kris Murray in the backcourt. Deni Avdija, their leading scorer, will start at forward alongside Toumani Camara. Rookie Donovan Clingan is set to start at center.

Where to watch the Lakers vs the Trail Blazers game?

• Date: Monday, November 3, 2025

• Time: 10:00 PM Eastern Time / 7:00 PM Pacific Time

• KUNP, SportsNet LA, and NBA TV will broadcast the game.

Predictions for tonight’s Lakers vs Trail Blazers

This matchup is a challenging one for the Lakers. They are on the second night of a back-to-back and are playing on the road. Being without their starting center against a Portland team that is also on a three-game winning streak adds to the difficulty.

The Trail Blazers have home-court advantage and a more complete roster for this game. They also won the first meeting between these teams just last week. The circumstances suggest the Portland Trail Blazers will win tonight’s game.