Oddsmakers are anticipating a high scoring game such as the team's first meeting, which the Lakers won 125-118 last month. Circumstances are different this time around. A total this high doesn't make sense in my view.

The Lakers just aren't that high of a scoring team. They have scored 101 or fewer points in seven of their last nine games. Their top player, D'Angelo Russell, just returned to the lineup after being out 11 games with a knee injury. He's not playing big minutes yet and is still rusty.

The Nets have been scoring big points and allowing big points. However, their dynamics are going to change with point guard Jeremy Lin back from a hamstring injury that sidelined him 17 games. Lin played 20 minutes in Brooklyn's last game and his minute count likely will raise here. Not only is Lin's shooting rusty from being out for so long, but he's the lone Nets' legitimate point guard. Now the Nets actually can run plays and work for good shots instead of playing their helter skelter style of just throwing up 3-pointers from all over the court.

The Lakers have a realistic chance here to win, which would halt a seven-game losing streak. That should ensure a focused defensive effort.