Here is what you need to know before the Lakers’ visit to Portland to face the Trail Blazers.
1)
The Lakers’ last game saw Julius Randle piece together one of the best nights of his young career, tallying 19 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists to become just the sixth player with multiple triple-doubles this season, joining expected All-Stars Russell Westbrook, James Harden, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Draymond Green.
2)
That game was also another hot night for Nick Young, who has been scorching over the past two weeks. In his last nine games, the Los Angeles native is averaging 18.6 points and 4.7 3-pointers while shooting a robust 53.7 percent from the field.
3)
For the second straight game, Young’s 3-point storm was joined by D’Angelo Russell, who has also found his touch lately. The duo each hit six triples on Wednesday, becoming the first Lakers teammates to ever do so in back-to-back contests.
4)
While Luol Deng was unable to get his shot going in Wednesday’s win due in part to dealing with right biceps tendonitis, he nonetheless made an impact with six rebounds and a season-high six assists. The 31-year-old is questionable to play against Portland, which he scored a career-best 40 points against on Nov. 1, 2011.
5)
The Lakers are facing Portland for the first time this year and looking to snap an elongated slide against this opponent. The Trail Blazers have beaten Los Angeles in seven straight games, including six by double figures.
6)
L.A. could be catching this foe at an opportune time, as Portland has won just three of its last 15 games. The Blazers also played the night before, falling to Golden State in Oakland on Wednesday night.
7)
One reason for Portland’s struggles has been the absence of two-time All-Star Damian Lillard, who has missed the last five games due to a left ankle sprain. The point guard is one of the NBA’s best at attacking downhill and from deep, ranking seventh in the NBA in three major categories: points (27.0), free throws (7.0) and free throw percentage (89.6).
8)
Fortunately for the Blazers, C.J. McCollum has risen to fill the absence left by Lillard. During his teammate’s stead, the reigning Most Improved Player has averaged a scorching 31.2 points — fifth-most in the league in this stretch — on 49.1 percent shooting.
9)
Mason Plumlee has quietly been one of the league’s most effective offensive big men. Not only does the Duke product rank ninth in the NBA in field goal percentage (55.9), he also averages the second-most assists among centers (4.2).
10)
This game is likely to be a shootout considering its a matchup between the league’s bottom two teams in defensive efficiency. The Blazers allow the NBA’s third-most points per game (111.2) while the Lakers yield 110.2.
Injury Report
Lakers: D’Angelo Russell (sore left knee) and Tarik Black (sore right ankle) are probable. Luol Deng (right biceps tendonitis) is questionable. Larry Nance Jr. (bone bruise, left knee) is out.
Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard (left ankle sprain) did not play Wednesday against Golden State. Festus Ezeli (left knee) is out.
Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. PT
TV: Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum Deportes in L.A. TNT nationally
Radio: 710 ESPN and 1330 KWKW