This is an 8* TOTAL on the UNDER Lakers/Cavaliers.

LeBron James returns to Cleveland fresh off a 127-119 loss at Washington, giving up a big third-quarter lead in the setback. James dominated and is now the NBA's second leading scorer, passsing the Mail Man and now only behind Jabar.

Are the Lakers going to make the playoffs? That'll depend on whether Anthony Davis can return and stay healthy. If he can, then the Lakers could make a legitimate run in the playoffs.

That said, they'll be out to win here in Cleveland against a Cavaliers team that will be taking this one seriously. The Cavaliers are going to be in the playoffs.

The Lakers handled the Cavs 113-101 at home as eight-point favorites at the start of the season, but without Davis in the line-up here, James will once again have to do the heavy lifting.

Cleveland comes in off back-to-back home wins, but it still only averages 107.2 PPG, which ranks 24th. LA averages 111.2.

I don't believe either side will reach their seasonal offensive average here though, as I think the circumstances point to a lower-scoring defensive battle.

The play is the UNDER.

Good luck, NP