**PREFERRED
Milwaukee over Charlotte by 4
The Bucks are coming close to beating elite teams losing by one to the Lakers in over- time, losing by two to Orlando, losing by a basket to Dallas in overtime, falling by three at Cleveland 10 days ago and losing by nine to the Celtics in a game that was tighter than the final score indicates. Milwaukee backers, though, are getting the money as the Bucks have covered five of their last six games through Dec. 20. Andrew Bogut and Michael Redd are finally healthy to take the pressure off rookie sensation Brandon Jennings. Charlotte is far from an elite team. MILWAUKEE 102-98.

**PREFERRED
Los Angeles Lakers over *Phoenix by 9
The Suns can’t handle the Lakers. They are 0-2 versus Los Angeles this season losing by a combined whopping 39 points. Kobe Bryant is hitting 22-of-37 shots from the floor in the two games against the Suns, who ranked 28th in defense. Phoenix has cooled significantly since a hot start going 4-6 through Dec. 20. Only three times dur- ing this 10-game span have the Suns broken the 106-point barrier, which is essential considering their awful defense. LA LAKERS 115-106.