Copyright sportskeeda
The LA Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers meet for the second time in a week on Monday. The Trail Blazers won the last matchup on Oct. 27 with a 122-108 margin against a shorthanded Lakers team playing on the second night of a back-to-back. LA again faces Portland on the second night of a back-to-back, but hopefully with better roster health. Here are the starting lineups for both teams. LA Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Starting Lineups Tonight (Nov. 3) LA Lakers starting lineup The Lakers could retain four of their five players from Sunday's starting lineup against the Heat, including Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in the backcourt, and Marcus Smart will join Rui Hachimura as the other forward. Deandre Ayton will replace Jaxson Hayes at center if he returns. Ayton missed the game against Miami with a back injury. Lakers depth chart against the Trail Blazers: Portland Trail Blazers starting lineup The Trail Blazers could retain their starting lineup from their last game against Denver on Friday. Jrue Holiday and Shaedon Sharpe shared the backcourt, while Toumani Camara started at small forward, alongside Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan. Trail Blazers depth chart against the Lakers: LA Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Injury Reports LA Lakers injury report Deandre Ayton is day-to-day after missing Sunday's game due to a back issue. Meanwhile, LeBron James (sciatica), Gabe Vincent (knee), Adou Thiero (knee) and Maxi Kleber (abdomen) will remain out. Portland Trail Blazers injury report Shaedon Sharpe is probable with a calf issue. Blake Wesley will join the absentee list after suffering a fifth metatarsal fracture in his right foot indefinitely. Damian Lillard (Achilles), Scoot Henderson (hamstring) and Matisse Thybulle (thumb) will remain out. LA Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Key Matchups A lot could change for the Trail Blazers' defense compared to their last meeting with the Lakers. It was an easier game with LA only boasting one ball handler and playmaker in Austin Reaves, who had 41 points, but eight turnovers. On Monday, Portland will also have to deal with Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart. It could produce enticing player matchups during this contest. Toumani Camara might start on Luka Doncic, while Austin Reaves could face Jrue Holiday. Camara and Holiday's defensive impact on LA's backcourt, which is averaging a combined 72.4 points and 17.6 assists, could be significant in determining the outcome. The other key battle would be between Jake LaRavia and Jerami Grant. The two sixth men have been electrifying off the bench. In his last three games, LaRavia has averaged 21.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg and 2.7 spg on 78.1%, including 66.7% from 3. Meanwhile, Grant, in six games, has produced 20.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg and 1.5 spg, shooting 50.0%, including 41.7%. Bench output can play a decisive role, and this duel has the potential to do that.
