The Los Angeles Lakers finally got control of the series lead over the Portland Trail Blazers after winning Game 3 on Saturday. This is still far from over, though, and it’s not wise to count out a Blazers team that’s being led by Damian Lillard. Check out our preview of this game below.
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Betting Preview for the Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers NBA Playoffs Round 1 Game 4 on August 24, 2020
Where: Walt Disney World, Orlando
When: Monday, August 24, 2020, 9:00 PM ET
Line: Los Angeles Lakers (-7.5) vs Portland Trail Blazers (+7.5) – view all 2020 NBA lines
TV Broadcast: TNT
Betting on the Los Angeles Lakers (-7.5)
Regular Season Record: 52-19
LA Lakers Betting Guide: View here (it’s free!)
LeBron James took care of business in the first half, then let Anthony Davis finish off Portland in the Lakers’ 116-108 win in Game 3. James rolled out another shining performance, posting 38 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in 34 minutes. Davis tore apart Portland’s defense in the second half and finished with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks in 41 minutes. But aside from those two, the Lakers’ defense stood out in their win, as they held Portland down to only 41.1 percent shooting from the field. The Lakers shot 28 for 43 from the free throw line, compared to the Blazers’ 18 for 19. James went 12 for 17 from the charity stripe, thanks to his aggressiveness in this game, as he really looked for his own baskets. With the Lakers getting back control of the series and James and Davis establishing their dominance, the Lakers are looking good right now, entering Monday’s Game 4 of the series.
The Lakers are 2-0 against the spread in their last two games.
Betting on the Portland Trail Blazers (+7.5)
Regular Season Record: 35-39
The Blazers were hoping that Damian Lillard will still deliver for the team even with a hurting finger. Lillard kind of did, as he finished with 34 points on 8-for-20 shooting from the field and 13 for 15 from the foul line. At least, that was an encouraging sight for the Blazers, as Lillard caused quite a concern for the team and its fans after he dislocated a finger in Game 3. CJ McCollum scored 28 points, but fizzled out in the second half wherein he only had 11. The Blazers were frustrated by Davis in the second half, as the Lakers pulled away. Jusuf Nurkic and Hassan Whiteside have to be better in going out and challenging Davis’ perimeter shots. Moreover, the Blazers need increased support from the bench, with Portland’s second unit scoring only eight points in Game 3.
The Blazers are 5-5 against the spread in their last 10 games as the home team.
Writer’s Prediction
The Lakers win, 117-113.
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