NBA Playoffs: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Game 3 Injury Updates, Lineups and Predictions

The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 3 of their exciting series. One reason why it’s the best fixture in the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs is because of the quality of both teams. The Lakers are led by LeBron James, who looks to conquer the fourth title of his famed NBA career. On the other hand, Damian Lillard and the Blazers are a promising team, loaded with talent. 

We saw two different games in the first two matchups. The Blazers took control of Game 1 very early and maintained the momentum to secure victory. Similarly, the Lakers bounced back convincingly to tie the series 1-1. 

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers: Injury updates and probable starting lineups 

Portland will be without Zach Collins for the rest of the season. He was taken out of the play-in tournament against the Grizzlies after an “ankle inflammation.” However, the injury turned out to be much more severe after further examination. 

Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Collins would require a season-ending ankle surgery, which would put a massive dent in the Blazers’ confidence. However, Damian Lillard has vowed to play in Game 3 after suffering a dislocated finger in the previous game. 

 On the other hand, the Lakers don’t have any significant injuries from their side except for Rajon Rondo, who is still recovering from a fractured thumb. 

Moreover, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are listed as questionable for Game 3, as per ESPN. Davis is experiencing a sore right knee and LeBron a sore groin, which has forced the management to list them as probable for the third game in the series. 

Possible starters

Even though LBJ and AD are listed as questionable, we feel they just might recover in time to start the crucial game against Portland. With that being said, here is the predicted starting five of the Lakers: 

• LeBron James (Guard)
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Guard)
• JaVale McGee (Center)
• Anthony Davis (Forward)
• Danny Green (Forward)

The Lakers won’t be willing to take any risks with their starting five. They know the threat that the Blazers bring with them. Likewise, Portland too will go ahead with their most energetic five to kick-start the game and try to bring an early lead. Here are the predicted starters for the Blazers:

• Damian Lillard (Guard)
• CJ McCollum (Guard)
• Jusuf Nurkic (Center)
• Wenyen Gabriel (Forward)
• Carmelo Anthony (Forward)

Who are the favorites to get the crucial lead in Game 3? 

This will undoubtedly be an intense series, considering what’s at stake. Both teams want to win it at any cost. For the Lakers, their championship quest is at stake. Meanwhile, the Blazers are on a mission to upset the purple and gold in the first round. 

The Blazers’ chance of winning heavily relies on Dame Lillard’s fitness. He has been sensational in the bubble, carrying the team on his back. 

On the other hand, we’re yet to see playoff LeBron grace the court. The King has been quiet with his scoring form but has been racking up assists to compensate for his shortcoming. Game 3 will be an intense matchup,  as the winner will gain a crucial lead in the series. 

We’re counting on the strength of the Lakers to overcome the Blazers’ test. LeBron just might prove to be the key in this game, with AD already finding his form in Game 2. If these two fire in Game 3, the Lakers would be unstoppable.