Betting Trends: The Spurs average 119.7 PPG on 2+ days of rest, while the Lakers average 113 PPG on extra rest. These teams combined to average 236 PPG in their last five matchups (dating back to December 2023), as well.

I like the over on Monday in the Spurs-Lakers game.

Both teams are coming off extended rest, as San Antonio last played on Jan. 8 and Los Angeles on Jan. 7. The extra time off will be valuable for LA's veteran stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, especially. The Lakers have played well this season at home (12-5 record) and are 14-5 when favored. They dropped their last two games, so they'll be motivated to bounce back, as will the Spurs, who enter Monday's action on a three-game losing streak.

I expect the matchup between Victor Wembanyama (25.1 PPG, 10.8 RPG and 3.8 APG this season) and Davis to be exciting and intense. While both players are defensive stars, I anticipate them trading buckets for most of the evening. Davis has scored 25 or more PPG in seven of his last nine games against the Spurs, including performances with 37 points and 40 points vs. Wemby. On top of that, despite Wemby's larger-than-life presence, San Antonio ranks 25th in rebounds allowed this season, which should provide second-chance scoring opportunities for LeBron and Davis' crew.

In short, I believe we'll see the best efforts these teams can offer with both playing on extended rest, leading to a competitive and exciting game. With the total at 221.5, I see upside in a bet on the over.