Denver at Los Angeles

The L.A. Fakers -- err, Lakers -- have underachieved. They are just 10-7 at home and have been money-burner, much of the year. The Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games against a team with a losing road record and 9-24-1 ATS in their last 34 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. They scored 102 the last game, but gave up 107, which has been common in this season of dysfunction and no defense. They rank 25th in the NBA in points allowed and still have the same problem at defending quick guards. Yes, Steve Nash helps the offense, but is as weak a defensive liability as you can find in the backcourt. Denver comes to town with not one but two young, quick guards in Ty Lawson and Andre Miller, running the break for George Karl averaging 101.7 ppg (8th in the NBA), second in rebounds and 5th in assists. While LA is on a 1-3 SU/ATS run, the Nuggets have won eight of 12, including a 19-point blowout of Utah last night with no starter topping 33 minutes. Five players on the bench played 11+ minutes and four played over 16 minutes. The Lakers were a 9-point favorite their last home game and lost to the 76ers, 103-99, allowing 47.7% shooting to one of the weakest shooting teams in the NBA (76ers rank 20th in FG shooting, 26th in points scored). And now one of the best offensive teams comes to town. Play the Nuggets on the moneyline.