Portland Trailblazers at Los Angeles Lakers 2010 NBA Preview, Odds, and Predictions: All Star Brandon Roy will lead the Portland Trailblazers on the road to take on the two time defending NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center at 9:00 PM ET. The Trailblazers come in at 5-2 and in 1st in the Northwest while the Lakers are 6-0 good for 1st in the Pacific and look to stay undefeated. The Lakers have started hot behind superior play from Pau Gasol who leads the team in scoring at 24.8 with Kobe Bryant at 24.7 points per game. “We always have to work on stuff,” Kobe said. “You can’t go through a year playing perfect basketball. You still got to work on things. “It’s just about getting a win and just moving on, and continuing to get better.” Marcus Camby was doubtful for the Trailblazers last game but played well and helped the team and should be fine for tonights game. “We’re in a situation where we need everyone to play big,” Roy said. “Whether you are 100 percent or not, we need you. I am playing more minutes than I have ever played. Everybody needs a little help and that was what made Marcus’ effort tonight so big.” The odds makers at Bodog have the Los Angeles Lakers a -7 ½ point favorite at home against the Portland Trailblazers.
The Lakers are coming off a 108-103 win over the Toronto Raptors where Pau Gasol led the way with 30 points, 7 boards, and 3 assists. Kobe Bryant added 23 points and led the team with 6 assists. Shannon Brown came off the bench with 12 points as did Steve Blake a former Trailblazer for 14 points. Starter Derek Fisher added 11 points as well. Vegas odds makers have the Los Angeles Lakers +250 to win the 2010-2011 NBA Championship.
The Trailblazers are also coming off a win over the Toronto Raptors a 97-84 win at home on Saturday night. Point guard Brandon Roy led the scoring for Portland with 26 points and 2 rebounds but no assists. LaMarcus Aldridge added 22 points, 10 boards and 1 assist while Nicolas Batum poured in 20 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. “We did a good job of our game plan defending these guys, making them go over the top,” Head coach Nate McMillan said. “We need to do a better job of rebounding the ball. We’re still giving up way too many second opportunities tonight. But I liked the defense.” Vegas odds makers have the over/under for the total score at 195 points combined of the Portland Trailblazers and Los Angeles Lakers.
I predict the Lakers win at home and extend their undefeated streak to start the season.