Three games into the NBA season, the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers have yet to take a loss. Tuesday’s meeting at Crypto.com Arena puts both clean starts in immediate danger—and gives Portland a chance to carry its early scoring surge into one of the league’s toughest road settings.
Portland has opened with wins over Phoenix and Sacramento, scoring 124 and 128 points. Deni Avdija has supplied a versatile spark: the model projects 22.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists, making him a key figure against a Lakers team that has started 3-0. Los Angeles has Luka Doncic projected for 26.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists, while Austin Reaves is forecast for 19.4 points and 5.8 assists. Walker Kessler’s projected 9.9 rebounds could also matter if the game turns into a battle for extra possessions.
Our model sees a close one, projecting Portland to win 117.2-114.6, with a 53% win probability across 200 simulations. That narrow edge makes this a compelling test of the undefeated teams’ early momentum. See the Portland-Los Angeles prediction.
Detroit brings its perfect record to New York
The Detroit Pistons have handled three demanding opponents to reach 3-0, while the New York Knicks are still looking for their first win. Detroit has beaten Boston, Miami and Philadelphia, with Cade Cunningham directing the offense. He’s projected for 21.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists. Duncan Robinson’s 19.5-point projection offers another scoring route for the visitors.
New York’s best counter may be its inside-out pairing. Jalen Brunson is projected for 25.3 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns for 19.0 points and 11.3 rebounds. The model gives Detroit a 56% win probability and forecasts a 110.5-105.4 result. Can the Knicks turn home court into a reset? Explore the Detroit-New York prediction.
Atlantic Division rivals meet in Boston
The Brooklyn Nets arrive at 0-3 after a difficult opening run, while the Boston Celtics are 2-1 and coming off a 134-99 win over Chicago. Boston’s Jayson Tatum is projected for 23.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists; Payton Pritchard, fresh off a 28-point performance, is projected for 17.9 points. Brooklyn’s Julius Randle and Michael Porter are forecast for 18.7 and 16.2 points, respectively, as the visitors look for a foothold in this division matchup.
GameSim projects Boston to win 122.1-106.7, with a 69% win probability. The Celtics’ recent scoring burst sets a daunting benchmark for a Nets team still chasing its first victory. View the Brooklyn-Boston prediction.
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