The set-up: Both teams are banged up. The Lakers more so. This is a lot of points to be giving up though to the defending champs, who I expect to keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe. LA has split its last eight games. The Lakers fell 110-104 to the Heat last time out. I expect a very competitive affair here as well.

The pick: Brooklyn enters off a 139-111 blowout win over the Pels at home. The Nets though are still just 1-6 ATS in their last seven as double-digit favorites. I think this is a great situational play. No outright, but closer than expected. Grab the points.

This is a 10* PLAY-BOOK on the Lakers.