Portland visits Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Friday at 10:00 p.m. ET on Prime Video. The Trail Blazers already won at this venue, but the Lakers bring a three-game winning streak into the rematch. The picks use Portland +3 on the spread and 233.5 for the total.
See the rest of the Friday card on our NBA picks and predictions page.
Portland’s Offense Has Held Up Away From Home
Portland is 6-1 overall and 5-0 on the road. The Trail Blazers beat Phoenix 132-119 Wednesday after winning 118-110 at Denver. They also beat the Lakers 136-129 on October 27, so this is a road setting in which they have already found good shots.
Portland averages 121.9 points and allows 110.7. The Blazers can keep the Lakers working by moving the ball from side to side and attacking a late closeout. Their challenge is avoiding rushed possessions that give Los Angeles clean opportunities in transition.
Damian Lillard scored 25 at Phoenix. Portland needs his shooting and half-court creation with Ja Morant and Shaedon Sharpe unavailable. Morant scored 23 in the first meeting, so the rematch requires Portland to replace meaningful production rather than simply repeat the earlier game plan.
The Lakers Have the Better Late-Game Scoring Option
Los Angeles is 7-2 overall and 4-1 at home. The Lakers beat Sacramento 116-103 on Wednesday after scoring 138 against Miami and 131 against Toronto. Portland handed them their only home loss through November 4.
The Lakers average 121.8 points and allow 113.9. They have enough offense to win even if Portland gets comfortable from three, but they should avoid giving the Blazers extra chances after a miss. Portland has already shown it can turn a good offensive stretch into a big enough lead to withstand a Lakers run.
Luka Dončić scored 40 at Sacramento after scoring 42 against Miami. That is the strongest reason to favor Los Angeles in a close finish. Sandro Mamukelashvili was listed questionable with an illness on the early report, a factor for reserve frontcourt depth rather than the main driver of the pick.
Trail Blazers vs Lakers Picks and Predictions
Spread Pick: Portland Trail Blazers +3
I project the Lakers to win, but I want the three points with Portland. The Blazers have won all five road games and have shown they can score without Morant. Dončić can take over late, and Portland’s missing guards make it harder to answer if the Lakers force the ball out of Lillard’s hands. Even so, Portland has been efficient enough to keep this inside a basket. The pick is at +3; +2.5 offers less protection.
Total Pick: Over 233.5
Both teams average more than 121 points, and the first meeting produced 265. I do not expect another game that high, especially with Morant out and Portland’s defense generally playing well. But both sides have creators who can score when the defense is set, so the over does not require a frantic pace. Projection: Lakers 119, Portland 117.
Final Picks: Portland +3 and Over 233.5. Projected winner: Los Angeles Lakers.
Completed November 5, 2026. Lines vary by sportsbook, and final availability may change.