This one just feels like a Gregg Popovich special. His team is undermanned by NBA standards and also has underachieved, blowing several leads on a disastrous recent road trip. They got a much-needed win over the lowly Knicks in their last outing and now face a Western Conference front-runner. The Lakers have fallen behind in their past four road games, only to come alive just in time to get the win. Of ever there was a spot for a somewhat unexpected, breakout performance for San Antonio, this is it.

The Spurs finally broke their eight-game losing streak Saturday, but don’t get too excited because the team they defeated was the Knicks. They are an unsightly 1-7 ATS at home and there is a significant gap in talent between them and the Lakers, who have won seven straight. All things considered, this is not a big line, leaving the Lakers with a favorable opportunity to cover.