No Anthony Davis tonight for the Lakers, which didn't hurt much on Thursday at Washington but could mean a lot tonight at MSG. Though the pace could accelerate minus AD, losing his 26 ppg is not easy to replace vs. a stingy outfit like the Knicks, who can adjust back to "Thibodeau mode" and decide to play a grinder whenever necessary. Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson will of course have their chances to shine but Thibodeau's defensive schemes might resonate more when not having to worry about the Davis factor. LA has tended to play in under streaks this season (note an earlier 11-2 run) and tonight might find JJ Redick, minus Davis, in a bit of a chess match vs. Thibodeau. Play Lakers-Knicks Under

Knicks are destroying Western Conference teams at home, beating DEN by 10, Memphis by 37 and Sacramento by 23. Lakers destroyed the WIz but WSh stinks and is especially bad in back end of back to back. Much tougher chore at the Garden and no AD will really hurt here. LBJ playing heavy minutes Knicks have rest advantage. Lakers are 3-11 ATS vs top 10 teams. NYK 14-9-1 as a home favorite and playing their best ball of the season. Lakers highly unlikely to hold up defensively here without their top rim defender.