Los Angeles at Portland

All the hype has been on LeBron James and the L.A. Lakers this preseason, but they are on the road against a strong Portland team for the opener. Expectations are high in Los Angeles, but the Lakers are off five straight losing seasons with all kinds of problems. Last year they were #25 in points allowed and dead last in free throw shooting. They have a lot of new players and it's going to take time for them to mesh - if they ever do. Meanwhile, Portland is looking to make the postseason for the sixth straight season. The Trail Blazers are on a 19-6-1 spread run at home, as well as 7-0 ATS when playing on three or more days of rest. Portland won last season's three meetings and is on a 44-17 spread run against the Lakers, including 22-9 ATS in this building. And the favorite is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings. Back Portland.