The Los Angeles Lakers welcome the Portland Trail Blazers to the STAPLES Center for the second time this season tonight. Start time in this evening’s Western Conference clash between the Lakers and Blazers is set for 10:30pm ET. NBA Odds are favoring the hosting Lakers at -9.5 against the spread; the game total is set at 202.5 points. Portland is drawing +400 moneyline odds to end its six game skid.

The Lakers closed out the first half of their schedule in ugly fashion with a 125-101 loss to the Clippers, but they opened the second half on a winning note, wiping out Boston at the STAPLES Center on Wednesday night.

Los Angeles, on a night the team and crowd honored the late Jerry Buss, handed the Celtics a 113-99 loss and improved to 26-29 overall. The Lakers, who out-rebounded Boston 49 to 34, had seven players score in double figures as they shot 50.6 percent from the field.

The beleaguered Dwight Howard led the way with 24 points and 12 rebounds while forward Earl Clark added 14 points and 16 boards. Kobe Bryant finished the game with 16 points, seven assists, and four rebounds.

The Lakers will look to draw ever closer to the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot (currently trail the eighth place Rockets by 3.5 games) tonight when they host the reeling Trail Blazers.

Portland, at 25-29, is also battling for a postseason slot, but its recent play would suggest its playoff hopes are in serious jeopardy. The Blazers lost their sixth straight game on Tuesday night when they fell 102-98 at home to the lowly Suns.

Phoenix killed Portland on the glass (51 to 37) and it connected on 41-of-82 from the field against the Blazers suspect defense in securing the win.

If recent history is any indication, Portland’s woes should continue tonight. The Trail Blazers (8-20 on the road this season) are 1-7 in their last eight games against the Lakers at the STAPLES Center.   

Notable Trends: The Blazers are 0-10 straight up and 1-9 against the spread in their last 10 games as a road dog with a total between 200 and 205 points.

Portland Trail Blazers vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA Odds:

Portland Trail Blazers +9.5 (-110), Over 202.5 (-105)

Los Angeles Lakers -9.5 (-110), Under 202.5 (-115)

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