The Los Angeles Lakers (0-2) host the Portland Trail Blazers (2-0) in a Western Conference showdown on Sunday afternoon. The Lakers are looking to pick up their first win after dropping two straight games. On Thursday, Los Angeles lost to the Clippers 103-97. On the other side, Portland outmatched the Phoenix Suns 113-111 in overtime on Friday.
Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET in Los Angeles. Caesars Sportsbook lists the Lakers as a 3.5-point favorite in the latest Trail Blazers vs. Lakers odds. The over/under for total points is set at 225.5. Before making any Lakers vs. Trail Blazers picks, you need to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's advanced computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four seasons. The model went a stunning 88-60 on all top-rated NBA picks last season, returning more than $2,100. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Trail Blazers vs. Lakers and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Lakers vs. Trail Blazers:
- Trail Blazers vs. Lakers spread: Lakers -3.5
- Trail Blazers vs. Lakers Over-Under: 225.5 points
- Trail Blazers vs. Lakers money line: Los Angeles -165, Portland +140
- POR: The Trail Blazers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight-up win
- LAL: The Over is 6-2 in Lakers' last 8 Sunday games
- Trail Blazers vs. Lakers picks: See picks here
Why the Lakers can cover
Forward Anthony Davis has been an outstanding two-way threat on both sides of the floor. Davis flashed his capability to be a terrific rim protector with his long arms and good instincts. The eight-time All-Star can dominate on the floor, thanks to his effortless shooting stroke and game plan. Through two games this season, Davis is averaging 26 points, seven rebounds, and three steals per game.
Forward LeBron James can do it all for Los Angeles. James is an elite passer with superb court vision and pass accuracy. The 18-time All-Star is a freight train driving down the lane as he can finish through contact on a regular basis. He also owns a calm jumper from 3-point land. James is averaging 25.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and seven assists per game.
Why the Trail Blazers can cover
Guard Anfernee Simons is a smooth and athletic player in the backcourt. Simons owns good handles and bounce to finish above the rim on a regular basis. He can explode down the lane to either score or assist the open man. The 2018 first-round pick is second on the team in points (19) with three rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. On Wednesday, Simons dropped 22 points and two steals.
Center Jusuf Nurkic is a bruiser down low. Nurkic maximizes his strength and power in the paint to gain leverage for rebounds and putbacks. The 28-year-old has good footwork and a soft touch around the rim. Nurkic is putting up a team-high 12 rebounds along with 14 points per game. In Friday's win, he recorded 20 points and 17 rebounds.
How to make Trail Blazers vs. Lakers picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 231 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 60% of simulations. You can only get the pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Lakers vs. Trail Blazers? And which side of the spread hits in well over 60% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.
