Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers Game 5 Predictions, Odds & Picks

• After losing Game 1, the Los Angeles Lakers have won the past three games.
• Damian Lillard will not play in Game 5 due to an injured knee.
• LeBron James has been averaging a triple-double through the series.

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Trail Blazers vs Lakers Odds

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Trail Blazers vs Lakers Predictions and Picks

The Portland Trail Blazers put up a good fight, but we can’t see them taking down the Los Angeles Lakers without their star player Damian Lillard available. We see this series ending with a Lakers win.

Picks:

Los Angeles Lakers def. Portland Trail Blazers -1250

Los Angeles -14 -112

How to Watch Trail Blazers vs Lakers

Head-to-Head: Portland Trail Blazers vs Los Angeles Lakers

The Blazers Must Show that They’re More than Lillard

Damian Lillard has been carrying the Portland Trail Blazers throughout the NBA‘s restarted season. Unfortunately for the Blazers, Lillard will be out of Game 5 with a knee injury. Due to his absence, the Blazers must show their resolve in the face of even more adversity.

With Lillard out, all eyes are on CJ McCollum, who has been battling his own injury issues. There may be some promise in Game 5, considering McCollum was fantastic in six games this season without Lillard in the lineup.

When Lillard was unavailable this season, McCollum averaged 33.3 points and 8.3 assists while shooting 48% from the field. His ability to create for himself and for others will be crucial to finding an unexpected victory against the Lakers.

The Lakers Can Put the Trail Blazers Away Early

In their last game against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Lakers were able to push the pace against their opponents. The California-based team started the game on a 10-0 run, and it just snowballed from there.

By halftime, the Lakers led their Oregon-based rivals 80-51. While the Lakers dropped off a bit in the second half, their lead was too great for the Blazers to overcome.

Considering the Blazers won’t have Damian Lillard available for Game 5, the Lakers may be able to put their opponents to bed early. By enforcing their will against a team without its most capable scorer, the Lakers can book their ticket to the second round.

Trail Blazers Key Player: (F) Carmelo Anthony

Here are Mark Jackson’s comments that set off George Karl, he said there should be a “shared responsibility” for anyone who “allowed” Carmelo Anthony to play bad defense in the past https://t.co/0EjzuP8P5D pic.twitter.com/xo0gLcOjD5

— gifdsports (@gifdsports) August 21, 2020

If there were a time for Carmelo Anthony to show off his hall of fame level talents, it would be now. Against his dear friend LeBron James and without team leader Damian Lillard, Anthony has a chance to define his legacy.

Anthony is averaging 12.3 points on 36.5% from the field and 33.3% from three. Expect him to come close to doubling his field-goal attempt average, with Lillard’s 16 attempts per game off the court.

The defensive side of the court will be the main issue for Anthony. Never a strong defender, Anthony will have even more pressure on him in Game 5. He may have Nurkic and Whiteside behind him, but the veteran must do his utmost to protect his own basket in order to upset the Lakers.

Lakers Key Player: (G) Danny Green

DANNY GREEN SEND IT TO OT. THIS GAME ?? pic.twitter.com/2exTsv25i5

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 2, 2019

Danny Green has struggled in the first round against the Portland Trail Blazers. While his defensive ability is consistent, he has mostly been lacking in the offensive department.

In-Game 4 though, Danny Green finally found some semblance of a rhythm on offense. He shot five of eight from the field as well as three of four from three-point range. His 14 points were crucial to the Lakers’ victory.

Danny Green can be a game-changer in Game 5, showing off his three-and-D ability. If he can continue his efficiency from three, the Lakers may just get back to their unstoppable form.