Tonight’s premier game on the NBA schedule takes us to the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. The (surprise of the year) no.1 seeded New Orleans Hornets desperately try to fight off a surging (no. 2) Los Angeles Lakers team, in an old Western Conference showdown. Viewers tonight can expect playoff atmosphere basketball at its finest, from the opening tip-off (scheduled for 10:30 pm ET; 7:30 pm PT) to the final buzzer. Sportsbetting.com has the LAL -4.5 betting favorite versus the NOH with the O/U at 212.5 total pts. Only 1½ games separate these two franchises from a top-seed, and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs in the stacked Western Conference.

With less than a handful of games remaining (for both clubs) in the regular season, every quarter, every possession, and every free throw is magnified for post-season seeding.

With a win, the LAL (54-25) can cut the Hornet’s lead to only ½ game with 2 to play (all at the Staples). While the Hornets (55-23) hope to create some needed distance between them and LA with a road victory tonight in Tinsel Town.

Both teams come into this contest with each winning their previous game. The Lakers will play the second of a back-to-back at home, (even though last night’s blow out of the Clippers was considered a road game). But shouldn’t be too bad, considering the Lake Show starters all exchanged laughs from the bench for the entire 4th quarter.

The Hornets come in tonight well rested. They last played Wednesday night on the road as they thrashed the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-90.  

Subplot: The outcome of tonight’s game may also tip the scales significantly towards electing a regular season Most Valuable Player.

Will it be the sensational Chris Paul, who is putting up astronomical (Nash-like) numbers at such a young age?

Or is it finally time for the most complete and competitive player (in the game today) Kobe Bryant to receive the honors?

We can only hope the game remains close towards the end. Thus, one can expect both of these guys (KB24 and CP3) to display their skills, talent, and desire… but moreso, look for each one to make a strong, convincing case, for this year’s MVP award.  

Injuries LAL:

Injuries NOH:

Chris Andersen: Flu-Like Symptoms (Doubtful)

NBA Prediction: LAL -4.5 

OVER: 212.5   

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