Considering their huge backcourt advantage and domination in the series, it's not asking too much for Portland to defeat the Lakers. The Trail Blazers have accomplished the task nine straight times, including the past five times at Staples Center.

C.J. McCollum is playing his best ball averaging 31 points during his last eight games. Damian Lillard has been sharp since returning two games ago from an ankle injury. Swingman Allen Crabbe is coming off a career-high 30 points. Crabbe recorded that hitting 12 of 15 shots from the floor during the Trail Blazers' 125-124 overtime home loss to Detroit this past Sunday.

The Trail Blazers want to redeem themselves from that loss. If they lose here to the Lakers they likely are looking at a three-game losing streak with the defending world champion Cavaliers on deck Wednesday. Portland coach Terry Stotts said he considers this a crucial game.

The Lakers are a bit fat and happy with consecutive victories against a pair of likely lottery teams from the Eastern Conference, the Magic and Heat.

Portland just hosted the Lakers this past Thursday and won, 118-109. Lillard and McCollum combined to score 48 points and dish off 17 assists.