The 23-32 Portland Trail Blazers return from their All-Star break in hopes of picking up where they left off, winning 10 of their last 14 games prior to the break. While it's unlikely, a play-in spot is not entirely out of the question. Teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks are dealing with significant injuries, while the Sacramento Kings are struggling defensively.
Still, it will be an uphill battle, as Portland is five games back from the ten-seeded Golden State Warriors with just 27 games left to play. The Blazers will need to win every toss-up game they can. And with significant injuries to the Lakers, their Nov. 20 matchup becomes much more winnable.
Portland Trail Blazers injury report
Here is Portland's injury report:
- Deandre Ayton: OUT (left calf strain)
- Jerami Grant: AVAILABLE (right knee soreness)
- Scoot Henderson: AVAILABLE (right ankle sprain)
- Matisse Thybulle: OUT (right ankle sprain)
- Robert Williams III: AVAILABLE (right knee soreness)
Update: Portland will start Anfernee Simons, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, Jerami Grant, and Donovan Clingan.
Two-way players Justin Minaya, Bryce McGowens, and recently added Sidy Cissoko are also listed as out (G League).
Los Angeles Lakers injury report
Update: Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report previously mentioned that Lakers head coach JJ Redick believes LeBron James will be able to go but also notes that it will come down to a game-time decision. Now, it's been confirmed that James is available to play. With Doncic out, the Lakers will start Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith, Rui Hachimura, James, and Jaxson Hayes.
Here is Los Angeles' injury report:
- LeBron James: AVAILABLE (left foot injury management)
- Luka Doncic: OUT (left calf injury management)
- Jarred Vanderbilt: OUT (right foot surgery management)
- Maxi Kleber: OUT (right foot surgery recovery)
Both James and Doncic played in last night's surprising loss to the Charlotte Hornets, where the Lakers fell 100-97. Doncic finished with just 14 points, shooting 5-of-18 from the field against Charlotte. His left calf injury still seems to be affecting his play, so it's unsurprising that he's sitting out on the second half of a back-to-back.
The Lakers' blockbuster trade for Doncic is still a significant win for their franchise long-term, but it's clear that it's going to take some time to adjust to having two superstars who are at their best with the ball in their hands.
Hornets center Mark Williams failing his physical could be a blessing in disguise long-term for the Lakers as well, as it was a lot of assets for GM Rob Pelinka to give up. But it also was unfortunate timing as the deadline had passed, leaving the center spot a major vulnerability for the Lakers.
Offensively, Doncic loves having that athletic lob threat at his disposal. But just as significant is the defensive aspect -- Doncic was constantly hunted on the defensive end in their game against Charlotte, and the lack of rim protection to compensate for his one weakness was apparent.
Meanwhile, the Blazers have the tallest roster in the NBA. They'll have to exploit the Lakers' lack of frontcourt depth to win this matchup. With Ayton out for at least three more weeks due to a left calf strain, the x-factor could be rookie Donovan Clingan, who has been playing well so far in Ayton's absence.
Tip-off at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, is scheduled for 7:00 PM PST.