Trail Blazers at Lakers
The Portland Trail Blazers will attempt to defeat Los Angeles for the second in seven days when they visit the Lakers on Sunday. Portland posted a 98-94 home victory on Monday when point guard Damian Lillard poured in 39 points while Lakers guard Kobe Bryant was left at home to rest. Bryant missed Friday’s 101-84 victory over the Orlando Magic and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game, and the decision about playing might be made shortly be tip-off.
Los Angeles coach Byron Scott wasn’t divulging whether or not Bryant would play when we met with reporters prior to practice Saturday. “When he comes in (Sunday), we will see how he feels,” Scott said. “And when he comes in for the game, we will see how he feels and we will go from there.” The Trail Blazers registered a 103-92 victory over Orlando on Saturday and have won 12 of their last 14 games.
TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, CSN Northwest (Trail Blazers), TWC SportsNet (Lakers)
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (29-8): Since shredding the Lakers on 12-of-21 shooting, Lillard has had back-to-back 16-point outings on 9-of-27 shooting. He suffered a lower back injury when he collided with Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade on Thursday and he was clearly hampered by the injury two days later against Orlando. Lillard was just 2-of-8 from 3-point range against the Magic but has made multiple 3-pointers in 11 of the past 12 games.
ABOUT THE LAKERS (12-25): Point guard Jeremy Lin has been underwhelming most of the campaign but has strung together five consecutive double-digit outings after producing 18 points, six assists and four steals in the victory against Orlando. “I think he’s getting more comfortable and I think his confidence is coming back,” Scott told reporters. “I think he understands exactly what I want from him – it’s just a matter of going out there and doing it.” Lin is averaging 14.8 points over the last five games after scoring in single digits in nine of the previous 14 games.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Los Angeles PF Jordan Hill matched a season best with 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in Monday’s game against Portland.
2. Trail Blazers PF LaMarcus Aldridge is averaging 25 points in his last four games against Los Angeles.
3. Lakers SF Nick Young is 13-of-53 from the field over the last four games.