The set-up: This is the opener of a three-game road trip for the Western Conference leading Lakers. Clearly LA is the much better team here. That said, I do indeed believe that the Lake-Show will get caught "looking past" its lowly opponent tonight to much more difficult contests on the immediate horizon. Golden State comes in under-manned, but motivated here to break a seven-game slide. Situationally for sure I think this one sets up well for the underdog home side.

The pick: Note as well that the Lakers are a poor 10-12 ATS this year as a road favorite, while Golden State is a perfect 2-0 ATS this year as a home dog of 12.5 points or more. With the visiting side likely sitting out some players tonight and considering all of the other above situational and trend based factors, I will in the end recommend to grab as many points as you can.

10* COACH'S CORNER on the Golden State Warriors.