The Portland Trail Blazers, 1-point favorites, welcome the Los Angeles Lakers to Moda Center at the Rose Quarter to begin their seasons. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 220 points and it gets underway at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 18, 2018.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers ATS Odds
Following a 49-33 regular season campaign, Portland went to the playoffs as the three seed in the Western Conference last season. They were defeated in the First Round by the New Orleans Pelicans in four games. Meanwhile, Los Angeles failed to make the playoffs following a 35-47 regular season.
The offense of Los Angeles will go head-to-head against the top-notch defense of Portland. Last season, the Lakers ranked 24th in offensive efficiency, while the Trail Blazers were ninth in defensive efficiency. The Trail Blazers should have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Last season, the Lakers were 35-47 straight up (SU) and 37-43-2 against the spread (ATS). Of Los Angeles’ 82 games that accepted bets last season, 43 finished over the projected point total.
On the other side, the Trail Blazers were 49-33 SU and 41-45 ATS last season. In accordance with Los Angeles, Portland games went over the O/U total 54.7 percent of the time.
The Trail Blazers dominated this series last year, winning all three games. In the most recent matchup, Portland won 108-103. One of Portland’s largest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They made 38 trips to the line, while Los Angeles went 31 times.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers ATS Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- The Trail Blazers rank fourth in three pointers allowed per game (26.5) while the Lakers rank 18th (30.1).
- Los Angeles ranks second in fast break points per game (17.5) while Portland ranks last (8.6).
- The Trail Blazers rank sixth in second chance points per game (13.6) while the Lakers rank 27th in second chance points allowed per game (13.4).
- Portland ranks eighth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.9) while Los Angeles ranks 28th (18.3).
- Portland averages 5.1 blocks per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Los Angeles ranks 26th in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
- The Trail Blazers rank sixth in points allowed in the paint per game (42.7) while the Lakers rank last (49.0).
- The Trail Blazers average 45.4 rebounds per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. The Lakers rank 24th in rebounds allowed per game (44.8).
- Los Angeles ranks seventh in assists per game (23.8) while Portland ranks last (19.5).
- When allowing below 100 points, Los Angeles is 13-5 and Portland is 26-8.
- The Lakers are 32-29 when they reach the century mark, while the Trail Blazers are 44-21.
