BEST BET
*L.A. LAKERS over CLEVELAND by 15
Fourth and final game of Cleveland’s West Coast road trip and they have spent most of the month on the road while playing a healthy schedule of games. This will be third week in a row they’ve played four games, traversing the majority of the country in the process. In contrast, the Lakers have been hanging out in Los Angeles for most of the month, domi- nating a cake slate of opponents and having two full days to prepare for this game. Even without the peripheral advantages enjoyed by the Lakers, they would probably dominate the Cavaliers – that’s how good this year’s Lakers team is – but with the benefits of schedule and preparation, look for Kobe and his teammates to have their way with Cleveland for the whole country to see. L.A. LAKERS 118-103

RECOMMENDED
*PHOENIX over L.A. CLIPPERS by 18
It’s been a long road trip for the Clippers, who have played well after a poor start to the season. However, the last game of the road trip is always the most dangerous – especially on the heels of back-to-backs in New York and Philly, then San Antonio and Houston. This is one ragged Clippers squad that is ready to be home! Phoenix has been playing a pret- ty easy schedule after a difficult road-heavy start to the season, and their performance should bump again after lagging a bit these past three weeks. Rumor has it that there’s something in the water in Phoenix, one more reason why the Suns training staff is able to keep their players so healthy despite expectations. PHOENIX 116-102