Los Angeles will have Ron Artest blanket Oklahoma City superstar Kevin Durant tonight, but who from the Thunder will have the tough task of guarding Kobe Bryant?
I'm laying the points with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night when they travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder.
Phil Jackson is looking for a complete game by his troops and I believe he'll get it tonight. First of all, nothing like a chance to "bond" away from home. And it's especially nice when your team owns serious matchup advantages.
OKC superstar Kevin Durant is likely going to draw specialist Ron Artest, who will take this as a serious challenge. But the Lakers truly own a huge advantage (more than normal) on the offensive end.
The Thunder has no one to matchup with Kobe Bryant. Okay, so most teams don't, but Oklahoma City may have to defend Kobe with Thabo Sefolosha, according to local media reports. Bryant has had his way with the Thunder, and tonight should be no different.
Oklahoma started the season with a pair of soft matchups, beating the Pistons and Kings. They lost last time out when the opposing talent stepped up a notch. OKC lost at home to Portland on Sunday, scoring just 74 points on 24 of 70 (34%) shooting. The loss dropped OKC to 2-7 ATS in their last nine home games going back to last season, including 1-5 ATS as a dog.
The Lakers beat the Thunder by 18 points and 14 points the last two times on this floor. I expect more of the same on Tuesday. I'm laying the points with the Lakers.
Free Pick: Lakers -7½ (-110)
