The Lakers enter the restart at third in the league in scoring defense, and the Clippers aren't too far behind. Although it's wide expected these clubs will meet in the Western Conference Finals, don't expect too much playoff intensity Thursday night. Offense should be easier to find than lockdown defense, and these clubs will entertain basketball-starved audiences with a shootout that goes Over the total.

The battle of LA takes place in Orlando. I really think this is going to be like a playoff game because for the first time in years, the teams are ranked first and second in the Western Conference. The Clippers and Lakers both are in the top five in offense as well as defense. Plus, the first game back from the long break could lead to some rusty shooting, lack of continuity and fewer minutes for star players.

Clippers coach Doc Rivers says his team is "made for the bubble" because of its depth, and that theory will be put to the test Thursday night. The club will be without rugged big man Montrezl Harrell and likely without the quarantine-defying Lou Williams. But the Lakers could see limited action from Anthony Davis, who is dealing with an eye injury, and their backcourt will lack depth after Avery Bradley opted out. The Clippers caught the Lakers off-guard on opening night and look for a repeat as the NBA bubble era tips off Thursday.

The Clippers are a mess right now. The Lou Williams “Magic City” dinner aside, their continuity seems to be lacking, Kawhi Leonard can’t make a shot in the scrimmages. The Lakers need this win for their self-esteem and confidence to believe they are the better team. The Lakers are catching the Clippers at the right time.

The Lakers could be without star Anthony Davis as the NBA restart begins Thursday in Orlando with the purple and gold facing the Clippers. The Model not only has the Clippers covering the spread in 67 percent of simulations but winning the game outright even though they will be without Sixth Man of the Year candidate Lou Williams. While this is a neutral site, the Clips have covered their past six in the series when the designated road team.