Portland vs. Los Angeles

You need defense in the playoffs, and only one team has it for this Game 1. Portland doesn't play much 'D,' allowing the fifth-most points in the league. Portland is also second-worst at defending the three-pointer. The Blazers will be without starting forward Zach Collins (left ankle injury). Portland is 18-30 ATS against teams that average 23 assists or more pre-contest. Los Angeles is outstanding defensively, fourth in points allowed, Top 10 in field goal shooting defense, and at defending beyond the arc. And the Lakers are 21-11 ATS versus teams that force 14 or fewer turnovers per game. Play Los Angeles.