PRO BASKETBALL — March 2

INDIANA at L.A. LAKERS
(Lakers -11, Total 211) — The Lakers have not covered since the All-Star break, dropping five straight against the number until a “push” against the Nuggets on Sunday. This is perhaps a problematic spot, as they come off that game against Denver and travel to Miami tomorrow for a game on Thursday. The Lakers look like they are playing a more deliberate game lately, emphasizing defense, and in fact, are averaging just 97 points in their last nine games, while winning seven of them. That means Jim O’Brien’s team might get taken out of its preferred up-tempo game, and when that has happened against capable teams of late, the Pacers have failed badly. This L.A. crew has played eight unders in the last nine, so the total is certainly worth a look.

THE PLAY: UNDER 211 **

(All information is for news matter only; All games are graded on a scale of 1-4 stars. Lines are subject to change)