The Blazers have had their issues this year off the floor, but it has not affected the start of their season. They have-a 4-2 record and a 14-point win on the road versus the Lakers already this year. Now, they catch the Lakers on the second half of a back-to-back, they’re at home and their slight favorites. Lay the points!

The Blazers didn't see Luka Doncic last week at Crypto.com but they did have to deal with Austin Reaves and his 41 points for the Lake Show. Still, it was a comfy 122-108 win for Portland, which has covered every game on the board this season save an odd night at Utah last week when the Jazz narrowed a 12-point Blazers lead in the last 3 minutes. Portland bounced back to dump the Nuggets on Friday behind another balanced assault (six scoring in double digits), with Jerami Grant on his way to Sixth Man of the Year contention after scoring another 16 off the bench. Luka is back in action for the Lake Show but balance edge once again to Portland. Play Blazers.

This is a tough spot for the Lakers, who just played Sunday at home against the Warriors. It will also be their third game in four nights, which is a bit worrisome for Luka Doncic because he logged at least 38 minutes in each of the last two games after returning from leg and finger injuries. Could he sit out for rest? Maybe. Even if he plays, I like an improved, well-rested Trail Blazers team to earn the victory at home.

Portland looks much better overall and has won three in a row -- despite its head coach having been arrested -- and beat the Lakers by 14 points in L.A. on Oct. 27 when Luka Doncic was out. The Blazers have been off since Friday as well. Los Angeles played last night and beat Miami but I wonder if Doncic will be allowed to play the second of a back-to-back after going 38 minutes. He just got back from injury, after all. And it's a one-game trip. As it was, former Blazer Deandre Ayton missed Sunday with back troubles.