The Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers are in a neck-and-neck battle for at least the last safe haven spot in the playoffs (non-play-in tournament window). These teams have split the two meetings they’ve had so far this season. Who gets the last laugh? Check out our preview of the game below.
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Betting Preview for the Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers NBA Regular Season Game on May 7, 2021
Where: Moda Center, Portland, OR
When: Friday, May 7, 2021, 10:00 PM ET
Line: Los Angeles Lakers (+6.5) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (-6.5) – view all 2020-21 NBA lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Los Angeles Lakers (+6.5)
Regular Season Record: 37-29
The Lakers are in a bad shape. Not only are they missing LeBron James, but Anthony Davis appeared to have also hurt his back on Thursday’s 118-94 loss to the LA Clippers. The Lakers have lost seven of their last nine games. James is not expected to play this Friday, while Davis is questionable. Dennis Schroder is also still not available to play due to safety protocols. The hope for the Lakers is that the likes of Kyle Kuzma, Andre Drumond, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will be able to hold the fort in the meant time. Drummond’s rebounding will be very much needed against the Blazers in order to control the game’s pace and prevent Portland from getting too many possessions, considering how well Damian Lillard and company are shooting the rock of late. The Lakers beat the Blazers at home last February, 102-93.
The over is 6-3-1 in the Lakers’ last 10 games as the road team.
Betting on the Portland Trail Blazers (-6.5)
Regular Season Record: 37-29
The Blazers are scorching hot. After suffering a 123-114 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on the road last Monday, they recovered right away and beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 141-105 annihilation of a road victory Wednesday. The Blazers have now won five of their last six games, and a lot of their recent success is because of their seemingly unstoppable offense. Over their last six games, the Blazers have averaged 129.2 points on 50.3 percent shooting from the field, while also knocking down 46.2 percent of their shots from behind the arc. Against the Cavs, the Blazers went 16 of 33 from deep. The Blazers are also expected to get back Norman Powell after he missed the Cavs game because of a knee problem. Considering the significance of the game, Powell should be able to go out and play this Friday. Portland beat the Lakers in the initial meeting, 115-107, on the road.
The Blazers are 5-1 against the spread in their last six games overall.
Writer’s Prediction
The Lakers win, 123-118.
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