As the NBA's restart in the so-called Orlando Bubble officially tips off at the end of the week, it's time to get down on some of the hottest basketball action around.

Game: LA Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Date: July 30th, 2020

Time: 9PM ET

Line: Lakers -4 Total: 216

As the favorites helmed by LeBron James take on Kawhi Leonard-led Clippers, we're sure to see sparks fly on the hardwood.

HOW TO BET THE NBA

Despite some quirky changes to preserve and mitigate the risk of potential infection of the coronavirus amongst the players, this will be one of the best contests we can look forward to as the NBA tries to get the sporting world closer to a semblance of normalcy.

Besides the hype and hoopla surrounding the Bubble, we're going to enjoy nothing but pure fun and basketball this upcoming Thursday.

Here are the bets that matter the most.

Exhibitions or Not, You Can't Match Game-Time Intensity

Teams across the league have been playing in shortened exhibition contests to warm up for the real thing, but this Thursday, both the Clippers and Lakers will realize that full-speed intensity is just impossible to match.

Regardless of the players on the floor, look for game-time conditioning for everyone on the floor to be a little poorer given the circumstances. Until teams are playing defense against each other for a full 48 minutes, the full speed of regular-season contests will whirr back to life ever so slowly.

So what does all of this mean? You want a free pick?

Take the under!

Currently, the total is set at 216 at America’s Bookie, which looks almost too easy for those looking to cash in on a casual wager on the over. We don't want to automatically presume that 216 is a "square" side per se, but both squads are better defensive teams than you might assume. For the nightcap on a first full-intensity game schedule of the season, expect a tightly contested contest, much lower scoring than most people think.

Prediction: Clippers 94, Lakers 88

No Lou Williams, No Problem

Lou Williams is by no means a superstar, but he is undoubtedly one of the top scorers in the league. After being forced to sit out for 10 days in quarantine due to violating the NBA's Bubble arrangement to pick up hot wings, Williams' departure might make those eyeing the chalky Lakers feel ever so confident about their wager.

Well, not so fast.

The key in this game is going to be the Clippers' ability to limit second-chance opportunities, force the Lakers to score inside and keep the consistency between lineups. Losing Williams hurts because he is a one-man army that can shoulder an entire scoring load if needed.

Check out the Top 5 Worst NBA Betting Seasons Ever

Even without Williams, the Clippers are still defensively sound and long at virtually every position. So far this season, the Clippers have won two out of three matchups against the Lakers, and, despite being 4.5-point underdogs, the Clippers will hold it down, show grit, and win the battle on the boards to outplay and outcompete the Lakers.

Leonard's inability to slow down or quit means his motor will stay running from tipoff to horn blare. James is no stranger to occasionally playing down to the competition.

Our Pick

The Clippers will win this in a boring, underwhelming manner, but this will be a great opportunity for under bettors. Our favorite play of the contest: Take the under 214 points at 10 cents. If you're on the East Coast, take the under and go to bed early!