This is a big total that would make sense - if it were posted on a Clippers-Lakers game last season.
Things are much different this year. The Clippers don't have Chris Paul. The Lakers have Lonzo Ball. Both are among the reasons I like this game to go Under the total.
The Clippers' offense is less explosive minus Paul. That's a no-brainer. But the Clippers' backcourt becomes much more hard-nosed with the change from Paul to rugged Patrick Beverley, one of the best defensive guards in the NBA.
Ball is the Lakers' new main man. He's a great passer, but not a high percentage shooter. Ball was limited to only 57 minutes during preseason because of a sprained ankle. He'll play tonight, but will have to deal with Beverley and the pressures of his first NBA game and the super high expectations the home fans have for him.
The Lakers gave up the third-most points in the NBA last season. Lakers coach Luke Walton made it a priority during preseason to stress defense. The Lakers allowed an average of 103.5 points per game in their six exhibition games.
"...I'm thrilled with the strides they're making," Walton was quoted as saying about the defensive progress his team showed during preseason.
The Lakers acheived this without Andrew Bogut, who missed the preseason with a groin injury. Bogut, though, practiced this week and should play. He provides a shot-blocking presence for the Lakers that the Clippers have with DeAndre Jordan, another top defensive player.
Thursday Free Pick
Clippers -5 vs. Lakers
The Clippers have owned this series winning 11 of the past 12 times with an average winning margin of 13.4 points.
The Lakers are trying to cut the gap stockpiling young talent. But the Clippers remain at least one level higher than the Lakers even without the departed Chris Paul. The Clippers still have star power with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
The Clippers' window of challenging the Warriors has closed with Paul's departure, but they still are a solid playoff contender with a chip on their shoulder to prove they can win without Paul. The Clippers take their games against the Lakers very serious. This certainly won't be an exception.
The storyline here is the NBA debut of Lonzo Ball, who missed most of the preseason because of a sprained ankle. He'll likely be rusty and hounded by defensive ace Patrick Beverley. The Lakers may improve as the season goes on. But right now they are vulnerable to a veteran, motivated team such as the Clippers.
Note, too, that the Lakers do not have a home court advantage as both teams use Staples Center as their home court.
(Editor's note: Stephen Nover has won 63 percent of his last 116 NBA plays going 72-43-1 and is 16-5 on his past 21, including opening his season going 4-1 on Wednesday. You can still get Stephen's NBA Season All-Access package at the lowest guaranteed price.)