Houston at Los Angeles

The LA Lakers put on a big surge over a decent portion of the season. The Lakers went on a 17-7 run, but before and after is what they really are - a bad team, and one that is 17-39 outside of the streak. They are 3-10 in their last 13 games, and have a pair of double-digit losses in their last two games, better defines their season. Houston is 64-16, and may lengthen their rotation here, but the lakers are already a bad team and will be without Ball, Kuzma, Ingram, and Thomas, leaving very little to contend or fight for a win. Even if Houston's starters play shorter minutes, that is more to put on the court than a bad team that is missing four key players. Back Houston.