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The medical unit known as the Los Angeles Lakers (2-1) limp back to the city of Angels tonight as they take on another Pacific Division rival; Jrue Holiday and the struggling Portland Trailblazers (1-2) at Crypto.com Arena.

The Lakers are hoping that Austin Reaves can continue his all-star performance after scoring a career-high 51 points in the Lakers 127-120 drubbing of the Sacramento Kings.  Reaves, the undrafted fifth-year veteran, is averaging a remarkable 34 points, 7.7 rebounds and 9.7 assists a game with veteran forward LeBron James being out of action since pre-season due to sciatic nerve issues.  It should also be noted that all-star guard, Luca, Doncic, was also out of action in last night’s contest as he recovers from injuries to his finger and leg.  Doncic, himself, has put on a show in his two previous games, scoring 49 against the Minnesota Timberwolves and 43 against the Golden State Warriors.  

DeAndre Ayton will also have some foundation to build off of, as he will hopefully deliver something similar to his career-high 21 points.  Marcus Smart will also make his second start of the season with Doncic still licking his wounds and will be a welcome change if can repeat his 11 point effort and bring the same defensive intensity that he is known to bring.  But with everyone else not named Rui Hachimura, Reaves, Smart or Ayton seemingly struggling at the moment and with Gabe Vincent being added to the list of casualties, the question everyone will be looking to be answered is will Austin Reaves and the rest of the Lakers have enough in the tank to do what it takes to get a win tonight?

Meanwhile, Portland is looking to get back to winning ways after dropping their last two contest; the last one at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers.  Forward Deni Avdija leads the Trailblazers in scoring this year, averaging 23 points on 48 percent shooting.  Guard Jrue Holiday seems to be off to his typical start, averaging 15.7 points this season.  The six-time all-defensive team recipient will be looking to improve on his 21 point performance against the Clippers last night.  The Blazers will need that and for Jerami Grant to continue his off-the bench performance if they want to take advantage of the injury-riddled Lakers and get their second win of the season. 

Tip-off is tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Crypto.com Arean in Los Angeles, CA

Lakers Project Starting Line-Up:

Jake LaRavia (G)

Marcus Smart (G)

Austin Reaves (G/F)

Rui Hachimura (F)

DeAndre Ayton (C)

Trailblazers Projected Starting Line-Up:

Jrue Holiday (G)

Shaedon Sharpe (G)

Deni Avdija (F)

Toumani Camara (F)

Donovan Clingan (C)

Lakers Projected Injury Report:

LeBron James ( Out – sciatic nerve)

Luka Doncic (Out – finger sprain and leg contusion)

Adou Thiero (Out – knee surgery recovery)

Maxi Kleber (Out – abdominal muscle strain)

Jaxson Hayes (day-to-day/questionable – left knee soreness)

Gabe Vincent (day-to-day/questionable – recurring ankle sprain)

Trailblazers Projected Injury Report:

Damian Lillard (Out for season – Achilles)

Scoot Henderson (Out – left hamstring tear)

Robert Williams III (Out – RTC reconditioning)