The set-up: AD returned to the line-up and the Lakers lost here 115-110 two nights ago. AD will likely play a lot better here, but I look for the superstar to focus on the defensive end. Often when players like Davis return from injury, they'll concentrate on their strengths. In this case, Davis is a defensive specialist first, and he'll rely on his defense to create offense for him in the early going. The Lakers as a whole will be out to atone for the setback and to break a two-game slide. LA is one of the best defensive clubs in the league and with one game under his belt, expect Davis to lead today's attack.

The pick: The Mavericks have seen the total go "over" in two straight. Dallas though has seen the total go "under" in eight of its last 11 after playing to back-to-back "overs." I simply expect the Lakers to play with a lot more intensity and to bring the fight to Dallas from the get-go and I believe that'll translate into a much lower-scoring game once it's all said and done.

This is a 10* COACHS CORNER on the UNDER Lakers/Mavericks.