It takes a brave and foolish person to try to make an Under work this season in the NBA. But I'm going to make the attempt with the Under in this matchup.

Yes, I understand these teams just met Monday and the final score was Spurs 143, Lakers 142 in overtime.

But this second matchup in five days should result in better defense since the teams just saw each other. Proper defensive adjustments should be forthcoming. The Lakers carry a fatigue rating playing for the third time in four days. So they shouldn't be looking to play racehorse basketball. They actually could be playing more deliberate. Point guard Rajon Rondo returns, too, from suspension. He's still learning his new team and visa versa.

The Spurs are coming off a very bad 116-96 home loss to the Pacers this past Wednesday. Gregg Popovich ripped his team for their lack of defense. So I'm expecting a much stronger defensive effort from the prideful Spurs.