Blazers vs. Lakers: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

The Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers meet up Friday night in a battle of teams that are headed in two different directions.

While the Lakers are getting primed for a championship run, the Trail Blazers are a team in turmoil. They recently traded away one of their best players in Gerald Wallace and waived Greg Oden after a long history of injury.

The Trail Blazers have been in a skid, losing four of their last five games. Over that span, their average point differential has been minus-18.6. 

Meanwhile, the Lakers have been almost unbeatable at home, boasting the NBA's second-best home record at 19-3. They have welcomed in new point guard Ramon Sessions, who has averaged 12 points and six assists for the team in just 25 minutes per game.

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles

When: Wednesday, March 23, 10:30 p.m. EDT

Watch: KGW, FSW

Stream: NBA League Pass 

Listen: ESPN 710 (Los Angeles), 750 The Game (Portland)

Betting Line: Not Available 

Key Injuries: 

Christian Eyenga, Lakers, lacerated toe, is out indefinitely

Mehmet Okur, Portland, back spasms, is out indefinitely 

Elliot Williams, Portland, shoulder, is out for the season 

Shawne Williams, Portland, shoulder and foot, is out for the season 

What They’re Saying:

On Wednesday's game against the Mavericks, Lakers coach Mike Brown told the Associated Press via Yahoo! Sports:

"

The kid Sessions made the game easy for everybody. He had a very good all-around game. You can see how his speed can help us, his ability to … turn the corner and get into the teeth of the defense.

"

Most Important Player to Watch: Kobe Bryant

With any Lakers game, it's Bryant, whether he leads the offense or dominates it. When he plays contained, Bryant dominates the other team. When he overshoots, he dominates his own.

Key Matchup: Andrew Bynum vs. Joel Przybilla

The Lakers have a clear mismatch here, which they can exploit. If they do that and go to Bynum, they should have an easy win. The question is whether they will do that or if Bryant will let the offense be funneled through Bynum. 

Prediction: Lakers 112, Trail Blazers 90