The set-up: We're getting down to the final few weeks of the regular season, so team's are fighting hard for a playoff spot, or already looking ahead to the playoffs and starting to plan for it right now. LA is in the second category, while Washington is still hopeful. The Wizards though just had their eight game win streak snapped in a 146-143 OT loss at home to the Spurs, and I think they'll struggle to find the same energy here, despite the Lakers coming to town. James won't be back in the line-up yet, and LA finally broke a three-game slide with a 114-103 win over Orlando in its last game.

The pick: This is the final game of the Lakers Eastern swing, with a night off before lowly Sacramento coming to town. LA is primed for a letdown here as well. This one sets up as a lower-scoring defensive battle in my opinion.

This is a 10* TOTAL PLAY-BOOK on the UNDER Lakers/Wizards.