Los Angeles at San Antonio

The Spurs have home court and can play any style at fourth in the NBA in points scored, but they are also very underrated defensively at 11th in points allowed and eighth in field goal shooting allowed. That defense can give the Lakers fits in the first half as they are still adjusting to life without Kobe Bryant. Plus, they haven't played since Wednesday. I can't see them being in sync offensively on the road right out of the gate. When they last met on this court the Lakers scored 17 first quarter points. And in the last meeting, April 14, it was a defensive game, 43-43 at the half with both teams shooting under 38%. The UNDER is 20-8 in the Spurs last 28 vs. a team with a winning record and 20-7 UNDER the total when these teams meet at the Alamodome. In addition, everything is lined up for a big win by the home team. The Lakers have lost superstar Kobe Bryant to a torn Achilles’ tendon and are unsure about the availability of point guard Steve Nash. San Antonio took time to get healthy and has great depth, unlike LA, with  Kawhi Leonard, Manu Ginobili, Danny Green and Tiago Splitter all averaging in double figures. The Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games, while the proud Spurs are 34-16-2 ATS in their last 52 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Two plays: Play the Lakers/Spurs First Half UNDER and the Spurs in Game 1.