New Orleans at Los Angeles

The Lakers expect both Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum back for this game. But neither will be without rust, especially on the offensive side. New Orleans has been struggling on defense but they have the raw materials to play much better. Last season this same team was fifth-best in the NBA in scoring defense (allowing 94.3 points per game). So, I don't expect this level of defensive play to continue. The Hornets have had two high-scoring games but in their other four they have gotten to just 96, 97, 87 and 90. I expect them to struggle offensively on the road in this one and I lik ethis game to go UNDER.