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The Portland Trail Blazers and LA Lakers square off in an intraconference regular-season game at the Crypto.com Arena on Monday. The Trail Blazers hold a 1-2 record after three games, while the Purple and Gold (2-1) are on a mini two-game winning streak.
Both teams will play on the back end of a back-to-back. Portland suffered a 114-107 loss against the LA Clippers on Sunday, while the Lakers enter the game on the back of a 127-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
The Blazers have earned endearing praise from fans and pundits for their uber-competitive brand of basketball. The team's offense is beautifully spread, with as many as six players averaging over 10 points across three games.
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Deni Avdija leads Portland in scoring with 23.0 points per game, while veteran Jerami Grant (22.7 points) has emerged as an early candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
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Meanwhile, an injury-riddled Lakers squad have benefited from Austin Reaves' marvelous form to begin the season. While LeBron James has missed all three games and Luka Doncic has missed one, Reaves has elevated his game to another level. He dropped 51 points on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings and missed out on a triple-double by just one assist.
Two other starters, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton, have been superb in their role. Hachimura is shooting a team-high 45.5% from deep and Ayton has dominated in the paint, both while rebounding and blocking shots.
Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers Injury Reports
Portland Trail Blazers injury report
The Trail Blazers have three players on the injury report. Scoot Henderson (left hamstring tear), Damian Lillard (left Achilles tendon) and Robert Williams III (return to competition reconditioning) are all ruled out.
LA Lakers injury report
The Lakers' injury report is stacked for Monday's game. Gabe Vincent (ankle) will likely miss time after appearing in a walking boot on Sunday. Luka Doncic (finger sprain and leg contusion) is out for at least one week.
LeBron James (sciatica), Maxi Kleber (abdominal muscle strain) and Adou Thiero (left knee surgery recovery) will continue to remain sidelined. Meanwhile, Jaxson Hayes (left knee injury) is questionable to play on Monday.
Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers Starting Lineups and Depth Charts
Portland Trail Blazers starting lineups and depth charts
The Trail Blazers' starting lineup will comprise Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan, Jrue Holiday and Shaedon Sharpe.
Point Guard | Jrue Holiday | Scoot Henderson | |
Shooting Guard | Shaedon Sharpe | Blake Wesley | |
Small Forward | Deni Avdija | Matiisse Thybulle | |
Power Forward | Toumani Camara | Kris Murray | |
Center | Donovan Clingan | Hansen Yang |
LA Lakers starting lineups and depth charts
The Lakers' starting 5 will likely consist of Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt.
| PG | Marcus Smart | Bronny James | |
| SG | Dalton Knecht | ||
| SF | Austin Reaves | Jake LaRavia | |
| PF | Rui Hachimura | Jarred Vanderbilt | |
| C | Deandre Ayton | Christian Koloko |
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Edited by Atishay Jain
English (US)