The Trail Blazers have ruled out Jerami Grant (face) for this game. Grant has missed three games previously this season and Deni Avdija scored at least 16 points in each of them. Over his last eight games overall, Avdija has scored at least 17 points seven times. Look for him to stay hot against a Lakers team that has the ninth-worst defensive rating in the league.

Over the past three games, Austin Reaves is averaging 29.0 points, 12.0 assists and 8.3 rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the field. His on-ball role has increased due to the trade of D'Angelo Russell. Reaves has posted significantly better numbers at home this season, and on Thursday he faces a visiting Trail Blazers' team that's 28th in defensive rating. I also like the fact that Reaves has gotten to the free-throw line 27 times in his current three-game hot streak.

DraftKings. As one of the newest Trailblazers, Deni Avdija has seen his minutes fluctuate this season. However, with Jerami Grant out tonight, Avdija should slide back into the starting lineup. When he’s played at least 26 minutes this season, he’s cleared this line in 11 of 16 games, including 7 of the last 8. The matchup against the Lakers should play to his strengths, as they rank 22nd against transition offense, and allow the 11th most rebounds per game.

The Lakers have their issues for sure, but they have covered 7 of their last 10 and they have a 9-point win vs the Blazers already. POR is the rare bad team that the Lakers actually have covered against. The Blazers are 4-8 ATS in their last 12 overall and 4-8 ATS in their last 12 road games. Of their last 12 losses, 9 are by 9 points or more. POR is 24th in NBA in defensive rating on road and is 28th at a -11.5.