Nets/Lakers

Yes, the Lakers are without Anthony Davis, but without Kevin Durant in the line-up, I thikn the Nets are going to struggle against this determined and desperate home side.

A loss here today will not affect the 21-9 Nets whatsoever in their division or the Eastern Conference standings. Sure, they'd LOVE to beat the Lakers here on national TV, but withtout their "heart and soul" in the line-up, I say that'll be too big of a hole to climb out of.

The Nets haven't played in over a week due to two other games getting postponed due to COVID related issues. They last beat the Magic 100-93 as a 5.5-point favorite. Durant was out and they struggled offensively.

The Spurs beat the Lakers here 138-110 on Wednesday. Lebron James had 36 points and nine boards, while Russell Westbrook scored 30 points.

At this point, EVERY team in the league is dealing with COVID related issues, but I think that a healthy and motivated James and Westbrook will be just too much for James Harden to overcome today.

This one means a lot more to LA and I look for that desperation to be the difference in the end. 10* GAME OF YEAR on LA.