Predictions Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers | NBA 17.01.26

Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers Game Analysis | 18-01-2026 | NBA

This regular-season matchup on January 18, 2026, pits the Los Angeles Lakers (24-15) against the struggling Portland Trail Blazers (20-22) at 3:00 AM at the Moda Center in Portland. Both teams enter this contest navigating significant injury concerns, which will undoubtedly shape the dynamics of the game.

Los Angeles Lakers Team Performance

The Los Angeles Lakers, currently sitting comfortably above .500, have shown flashes of championship potential but have also been inconsistent, particularly on the offensive end. Their recent performance has been a mixed bag, often dictated by the availability and health of their star players. Strengths include the veteran leadership and all-around brilliance of LeBron James, coupled with the defensive intensity Marcus Smart brings. However, their primary weakness lies in their offensive depth and consistency, especially when key playmakers are sidelined. They rely heavily on individual brilliance, which can be a double-edged sword against disciplined opponents.

Los Angeles Lakers Key Players

• Points: Deandre Ayton (13.9)
• Rebounds: Deandre Ayton (8.7)
• Assists: Marcus Smart (3.0)
• Rating: LeBron James (22.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG)

Injury Report Los Angeles Lakers

• Deandre Ayton (Day-to-day): Ayton (knee) is questionable for Saturday’s game against the Trail Blazers.
• Luka Doncic (Out): Doncic will sit out Saturday’s game in Portland due to left groin soreness.
• Jaxson Hayes (Day-to-day): Hayes is questionable for Saturday’s game against the Trail Blazers due to left hamstring tendinopathy.
• Adou Thiero (Out): Thiero will miss at least four weeks with a right MCL sprain.
• Austin Reaves (Out): Reaves has been diagnosed with a grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain and will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks.

Portland Trail Blazers Team Performance

The Portland Trail Blazers are enduring a challenging season, reflected in their sub-.500 record. Their performance has been severely hampered by a seemingly endless string of injuries to key personnel. While young talents like Shaedon Sharpe and Donovan Clingan show promise, the team lacks consistent veteran presence and offensive firepower. Their primary strength lies in the potential of their youth movement, but this also contributes to their inconsistency and defensive lapses. Without their established stars, the Blazers struggle to execute consistently on both ends of the floor.

Portland Trail Blazers Key Players

• Points: Shaedon Sharpe (21.5)
• Rebounds: Donovan Clingan (10.7)
• Assists: Jerami Grant (2.7)
• Rating: Jrue Holiday (15.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG)

Injury Report Portland Trail Blazers

• Scoot Henderson (Out): Henderson (hamstring) has been ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Lakers.
• Matisse Thybulle (Out): Thybulle (knee, thumb) won’t play Saturday versus the Lakers and remains without a timetable to return.
• Jerami Grant (Day-to-day): Grant (Achilles) is questionable for Saturday’s game against the Lakers.
• Jrue Holiday (Day-to-day): Holiday (calf) is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game against the Lakers.
• Deni Avdija (Out): Avdija (back) is doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Lakers.
• Kris Murray (Out): Murray has been diagnosed with a lumbar strain in his lower back and he’s currently without an official timetable to return.
• Blake Wesley (Out): Wesley underwent a successful procedure to repair a fracture of the fifth metatarsal base in his right foot Wednesday, and he’s expected to be sidelined for 8-12 weeks.
• Damian Lillard (Out): Lillard won’t be back on the court for the 2025-26 season.

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers

Considering the extensive injury reports for both teams, particularly the devastating list for the Trail Blazers, the Los Angeles Lakers are the clear favorites. While the Lakers will miss Luka Doncic’s offensive brilliance and Austin Reaves’ two-way play, they still possess the singular force of LeBron James and the defensive intensity of Marcus Smart. The Blazers, without Damian Lillard for the season and key players like Scoot Henderson, Deni Avdija, and Matisse Thybulle sidelined, are severely depleted. Even if Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday play, their overall offensive cohesion and defensive structure will be compromised. The Lakers’ veteran leadership should be enough to secure a victory against a youthful, injury-riddled Portland squad. Given the significant offensive talent missing from both rosters, particularly Lillard, Doncic, Henderson, and Reaves, scoring will be a challenge. Therefore, we predict the total points will be under 224.5.

Predicted Winner: Los Angeles Lakers