Jack's Free Pick Thursday!

LA Lakers vs. Portland, 01/05/2012 22:30 EDT, Score: 96 - 107

Point Spread: -3½/-104 Portland

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Win

The Portland Trail Blazers are one of the most underrated teams in the league in the early going. Portland is off to a fast 4-1 start, which includes a perfect 3-0 home record. They also have an impressive 103-93 road win over Oklahoma City last time out.

The Los Angeles Lakers are in a bit of a transition mode with a new head coach and several new players. They have started slow by their standards, going 4-3 through their first seven games. This is certainly a tired team as this will be their 8th game in 12 days to open the season.

Portland has had a lot of success at home against the Lakers throughout the years. The Blazers are 26-12 SU & 26-12 ATS in their last 38 home meetings with L.A. They have covered in 17 of their last 22 home meetings more recently.

The Blazers are 11-4-2 ATS in their last 17 home games. The Lakers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games. Portland is 17-5 ATS in their last 22 vs. good rebounding teams - outrebounding their opponents by 3+ per game. Portland is one of the best rebounding teams in the league as they are outrebounding foes 55-48 on the season. Bet the Blazers Thursday.