New York at Los Angeles

It has been rough sledding in recent years for a pair of storied NBA franchises. The Los Angeles Lakers come into this game at 14-52 on the season, while the Knicks stand at 27-40. The Knicks have done their best work in the role of a favorite where they are 12-9 ATS on the season. In fact they have been at their best this season as a favorite against the Western Conference where they generate their best marks at 5-1 SU on the season. New York has been playing above the line of late as they have taken the money in four of their last five games. The Knicks have shot over 50% in two of their last 14 games, which is significant as their previous 16 games saw them shoot 50% or better in just two of them, as well as allowing less than 100 points per game over their last eight games. The Knicks, unlike a lot of NBA teams, have scoring numbers that closely match up be it at home or away. The Knicks problem has been a struggling offense, one that averages less than 100 points per game on the season, while the defense has been good enough to win. Lately the Knicks have become an UNDER team at 1-7 O/U in their last eight. The Lakers are a team lacking any offensive firepower themselves as they average less than 100 points per game as well, and have also become an UNDER team of late at 2-5 O/U in their last seven. This game presents a rare opportunity to both teams that think they can bag a win, so defense should play a stronger role in this game. Make the play on the New York Knicks and the UNDER.