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The 2020 NBA Playoffs are underway with some great matchups, but arguably the best matchup of them all comes in the Western Conference between the No. 8 and No. 1 seeds. That's right, the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most entertaining and intriguing matchups to watch this year, especially after Portland came in and stole Game 1 from L.A.
In the first game of the series, the Blazers pulled out an impressive 100-93 win. Damian Lillard continued his impressive stretch of play with a 34-point performance, while CJ McCollum chipped in a cool 21 points and Jusuf Nurkic racked up 16 points and 15 rebounds. Carmelo Anthony ended up with 11 points and 10 rebounds in the first contest.
For the Lakers, nothing seemed to consistently go the right way. They missed key shots and three of their starters struggled.
LeBron James put together a masterful performance with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 16 assists, but it wasn't enough. Anthony Davis struggled from the floor at just 8-for-24, finishing with 28 points and 11 boards.
Looking ahead to Thursday's Game 2 matchup, the Lakers need to turn things around. Losing the first two games of the series would be a very bad look. They are talented enough to come back from that deficit, but it would not be an easy task.
Portland has absolutely nothing to lose. They are playing loose and free. This game is going to be fun to watch.
Let's dive in and take a look at three bold predictions for tonight's highly anticipated Game 2 in Lakers vs. Blazers.
3. LeBron James puts up another massive triple-double
First and foremost, we have to take about The King and the kind of game he is going to play. James has always come through in the playoffs when his team needs him the most. After a huge triple-double in Game 1, James is going to come back with an even better performance.
Granted, racking up another 17 rebounds and 16 assists may not happen, but his scoring is going to rise. James is going to come out more aggressive offensively than he was in Game 1. He is going to do everything in his power to will his team to victory.
What should be expected from James this evening against the Blazers' defense? James will end up scoring 35 points to go along with 12 rebounds and 14 assists.
2. Damian Lillard goes off for another 50-point performance
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Next up, the Blazers are going to be relying on another “Dame Time” performance from their superstar point guard. Lillard will be up for the task and will put the Lakers in jeopardy of falling down 2-0 in the series.
Lillard simply is too good for anyone on the Lakers to guard. He is going to get his shots when he wants them. That will result in another 50-point performance.
No one has been better than Lillard since the NBA restart, and there is no reason to expect that to slow down on Thursday night. He has simply been on another level.
1. The Lakers squeak out an incredibly hard-fought win
Finally, the final score prediction has to be made. Both teams are going to put on a show, and we should once again expect this game to come down to the wire. However, when everything is said and done, LeBron James will lead his team to a massive and much-needed victory.
Time and time again, James has risen to the occasion to lead his team to tough wins. Against a very talented and hot Blazers team, this will be a major test. Getting this win will help the Lakers calm things down and get back on track.
Expect to see this game come down to the final two minutes. James will take over those final two minutes and will add to his impressive playoff legacy.
