Los Angeles at Brooklyn

The Los Anagles Lakers have been undervalued for weeks, on a 12-5 spread run. What's improved is their attention to defense, allowing 91, 85, 80, 87, 99, and 94 in six of the last eight. They are 2-2 straight up the last four games, beating Philly (101-87) and winning at Minnesota (101-99) as a dog. The Lakers are 10-1 ATS following a loss and 7-2 ATS against the Eastern Conference. Brooklyn is a big favorite, but just 23rd in the NBA in scoring and 25th in assists. Throw in the defense ranked No. 19 in points allowed, and you can see why this oddball group has a losing record. The Nets are 5-16-1 ATS at home against a team with a losing road record. And when these teams meet, the road team is 18-5-3 ATS, with Los Angeles 8-1-1 ATS at Brooklyn. In addition, look for a slow paced, defensive first half. Los Angeles is off a loss at Toronto allowing 46 frst half points, while shooting 34% for the game, and is 15-6-1 UNDER the total on the road. Brooklyn is not a strong offensive team, and the UNDER is 8-2-1 between these teams, including 10-1 UNDER here in Brooklyn. Play the Los Angeles Lakers and the First Half UNDER the total.