The set-up: LA comes in as the "hungrier" team here. The Lakers have lost two straight and they'll be desperate to start stringing some wins together to get back into the playoff picture. New Orleans comes in off a home loss to Philadelphia and I think it'll struggle to match pace with this focused Lakers team. Note as well that the Lakers just lost in New Orleans last week when the Pelicans had star player Anthony Davis on the sidelines. This is an immediate revenge scenario for The King and I'm expecting him to step up and deliver the goods.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but New Orleans is just 3-8 ATS in its last 11 as a road dog of six points or less, while LA is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 in revenging a loss against an opponent that scored 110 points or more. The table is set for a rout. Lay the points.

9* play