The Western Conference is already lighting up with a massive matchup tonight at Crypto.com Arena! The Los Angeles Lakers are hosting the Portland Trail Blazers at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, Nov. 6, and it’s a battle for the top spot. Portland is leading the West at an incredible 6-1, kicking off their NBA Cup campaign, while the Lakers are right behind them at 7-2, desperate for their first win in West Group C after a 112-95 loss to Golden State. Both squads are riding three-game winning streaks, but one key player’s absence changes *everything*.
Blazers Flying High, But Who Steps Up With Morant Out?
Portland just crushed the Phoenix Suns 132-119 on Wednesday, extending their road perfect record to 5-0. The Lakers, meanwhile, took down the Sacramento Kings 116-103, largely thanks to Luka Doncic dropping 40 points. This isn’t just another game, though, it’s already the second time these two beasts are clashing! Portland won the first one in Los Angeles, 136-129. That game saw Ja Morant and Deni Avdija each put up 23 points, even with Doncic going off for 41 points and nine assists. Remember Morant hitting those back-to-back jumpers late in that game before Lillard sealed it with a clutch three? Well, Morant is OUT for the rematch with a hamstring injury, and Vit Krejci (leg) and Shaedon Sharpe (knee) are also sidelined for Portland. The Lakers have Sandro Mamukelashvili listed as questionable with an illness. Finding those late baskets without Morant is going to be a huge test for the Blazers.
Lakers’ Offensive Firepower: Can Anyone Stop Doncic and Reaves?
The Lakers offense is absolutely cooking, holding the league’s best offensive rating at a ridiculous 121.1, backed by a plus-8.2 net rating. They’re pouring in 121.8 points per game, shooting a sizzling 51.2% from the field and 38.8% from three. Plus, they live at the free throw line, making 24.1 shots on 30.1 attempts per game, and they grab 10.2 steals to boot. That means they can score in so many ways! Doncic is just an absolute monster, averaging 38.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.0 assists, shooting 49.5% from the floor and 43.1% from deep. And Austin Reaves? He’s averaging 23.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on incredibly efficient 53.1% shooting from the field and 42.9% from three. He even dropped 26 points in their first meeting, so Portland knows what happens if they give him any room. With Walker Kessler adding 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks while shooting 71.8% from the field, expect the Lakers to use him as a screener to open up even more space for Doncic. If Portland’s bigs step up, Kessler rolls. If they stay back, Doncic can take the shot he’s been money on all season.
Blazers’ Rebounding Edge and Avdija’s Big Opportunity
Portland averages 121.9 points per game, just edging out Los Angeles, with a 120.0 offensive rating and a 109.6 defensive rating. They’re sinking 15.4 threes on 43.4 attempts, getting to the line 31.1 times per game, and dishing out 27.1 assists. But their real secret weapon might be on the glass: they snag 47.4 rebounds per game compared to the Lakers’ 39.9. If they keep that rebounding advantage, they can generate enough second-chance points to battle the Lakers’ superior shooting percentages. Avdija is leading Portland with 23.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, shooting 47.8% from the field. He already showed he can take on more playmaking duties without Morant, dropping 21 points and 12 assists against Phoenix. Lillard is adding 20.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, even though his three-point percentage is sitting at 31.7%. Without Morant, the Blazers are going to need Avdija and Lillard to be absolutely lights out tonight.
This Friday night clash isn’t just another game. With Portland leading the entire Western Conference and the Lakers right on their heels, plus the added pressure of the NBA Cup, this one means everything. Can the Blazers find a way to win without their superstar closer, or will the Lakers avenge their earlier loss and claim the top spot? We’ll find out tonight.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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