Game night for the Los Angeles Lakers looks grim. After riding high on a three-game winning streak, they face uncertainty tonight. At the heart of it is Luka Doncic. In the second game after his return, he led his team to their most recent victory, a 130-120 triumph over the Miami Heat. Shortly after, there were talks of him resting out the next game. With momentum on their side, the question now becomes: Will Dončić suit up tonight to extend this winning streak?

Is Luka Doncic playing tonight?

Unfortunately for the Lakers Nation, the Los Angeles Lakers have ruled out Luka Dončić. In fact, Austin Reaves will also have to sit out tonight’s matchup against the Trail Blazers. As NBA insider, Marc Stein reported on X, both stars will sit out on the second night of a back-to-back set in Portland. This makes their injury list longer, and their winning chances thinner.

Luka, however logged 38 minutes on Sunday against the Miami Heat. He put up 29 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals. This is a significantly low point-making on his part. The Miami Heat defense was covering from all directions. Now, Dončić is being held out as a precaution. The team expects him to return for Wednesday’s clash with the Spurs.

Interestingly enough, after scoring over 40 points in his previous outings, Luka’s 29-point performance against Miami marked his lowest scoring of the season so far. Yet, the Slovenian star powered the Lakers to a 130-120 win.

With Luka missing tonight’s game, he will have played in only four games out of eight so far this season due to injuries, specifically a left finger sprain and a lower left leg contusion. These injuries caused him to be sidelined for at least three games early in the season.

With Reaves also sidelined due to a groin issue, the Lakers’ backcourt rotation is extremely thin tonight. With that, the Lakers’ winning duo is ruled out. That puts extra responsibility on Marcus Smart to handle playmaking duties.

Lakers vs Trailblazers injury report for November 3

Los Angeles Lakers Injury Update

1. Adou Thiero remains out due to knee issues. But he was recalled from the South Bay Lakers, signaling gradual progress.
2. Deandre Ayton is listed as questionable for Monday’s matchup.
3. Gabe Vincent continues to rehab for his ankle and is expected to miss two to four weeks, per Shams Charania.
4. Maxi Kleber (oblique) also remains out, but his status changed to questionable per LakersNation.
5. Luka Doncic is out for injury management of his lower leg contusion.
6. Austin Reaves is out due to right groin soreness.
7. LeBron James is not returning before mid-November.

After this long list of injuries, let’s check the situation in Portland.

Portland Trailblazers Injury Update

The Portland Trail Blazers will enter Monday’s clash with a long notable absences of their own.

1. Shaedon Sharpe is listed as day-to-day with a calf issue and is expected to suit up against the Lakers.
2. Blake Wesley is been ruled out indefinitely. He fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot.
3. Matisse Thybulle, is expected to miss four to six weeks. He recently underwent surgery to repair a torn UCL in his left thumb and.
4. Scoot Henderson remains sidelined due to a lingering hamstring injury.
5. Damian Lillard confirmed he will not return to action this season, rehabbing his torn Achilles injury.

Predicted starting fives for Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland (November 3)

Well, after the long injury list, here is the probable starting five list for both teams.

Where to watch Lakers vs Portland game tonight

The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday evening at the Moda Center in Portland.

When: Monday, November 3, 2025, 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT.

Where: Moda Center, Portland, OR.

TV/Streaming:
Regional broadcast: Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles) and KUNP (Portland) for local viewers.
National broadcast: NBA TV.
Streaming: Available on NBA League Pass and Fubo TV (subject to blackout restrictions).

Match preview & what to expect

The Lakers are short-handed in this game. They have to rely on emerging contributors like Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart. If Deandre Ayton also joins in, then he can anchor the paint against his former division rival. Portland, meanwhile, enters with Jrue Holiday leading a young core.

Fans can expect a gritty battle where defense might weight out. The Blazers’ home crowd gives them a boost, all boils down but to the Lakers’ frontcourt. If they end up finding rhythm, this could go down to the wire.

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