Portland at Los Angeles

Portland has been 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games. This is mainly because Zach Randolph doesn't have help around him as he did last year. Kobe on the other hand, has more help this year vs. last. Coach Jackson has given Kobe the freedom to shoot as he needs to...and he has! For those of you who have had their head in the sand this year, Kobe has the second most points scored in a game (81) and is averaging 35 ppg (the most since Jordan back in the 80s). He will not be playing any quality defensive guard play in this match up and after his poor scoring efforts in the all-star game, will surely look to post a good number here. The lakers had 4 of their 5 starters score in double digits last game they played. That is nothing that Portland wants to hear as they have given up 103 ppg in their last 5 and have only scored 82 ppg in that same period of time. This game could be over by half time as the Lakers will come out scoring often and looking to put this one away and wait for Orlando to come into town. Take the Lakers giving 10.