Trail Blazers at Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers ended their 16-game losing streak against Portland earlier this month and now look to defeat the visiting Trail Blazers again on Wednesday. This time around, Los Angeles aims to halt a nine-game home slide against Portland with its last win at Staples Center occurring on Feb. 22, 2013.
Portland just concluded a 5-1 homestand - the lone setback was to the Lakers - and now embarks on a six-game road trip that concludes against the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 23. Star point guard Damian Lillard missed Tuesday's practice with a sore right knee but is expected to play against Los Angeles. The Trail Blazers have won four straight games while the Lakers have posted three straight wins after edging the Atlanta Hawks 107-106 on Sunday. Overall, Los Angeles has won five of its last six games with the most impressive win being the 114-110 triumph in Portland on Nov. 3.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles)
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (10-3): Lillard, who is averaging 26 points per game, was injured during Monday's 100-94 win over the Boston Celtics - a victory that he feels personifies the club's hot start. "I liked the way we've done it," Lillard told reporters. "I think it's been by committee, everybody's been pretty consistent and we've been sharp. ... We're doing the things we need to do to win games and we're doing it consistently." Backcourt mate CJ McCollum scored just 14 points against Boston after averaging 27.3 points over the previous four outings.
ABOUT THE LAKERS (7-6): Veteran center Tyson Chandler has provided toughness, defense and rebounding in three games since joining the club and his biggest contribution was blocking the last-second shot by Atlanta's Trae Young in Sunday's victory. "For him to be playing winning basketball once again, I think those emotions just came out,” forward LeBron James told reporters after Chandler and the Lakers enjoyed a raucous celebration. “To make a game-winning block like that — you don’t see that much in our league.” Chandler is teaming up with JaVale McGee, who has been surprisingly good in the early stages of the season by averaging 13.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and three blocked shots.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Portland split two home contests with the Lakers earlier this season, including a 128-119 season-opening victory on Oct. 18.
2. Trail Blazers C Jusuf Nurkic recorded 18 points and 17 rebounds against Boston for his sixth double-double of the season.
3. Los Angeles SF Brandon Ingram is averaging 11 points on just 8-of-25 shooting over the past two games.