The set-up: The 26-55 LA Lakers have all of a sudden stopped 'tanking' and head into Oakland on a five-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the 66-15 Golden State Warrioes own the NBA's best record, although their 14-game winning streak was snapped in their last outing, a 105-99 home loss to teh Utah Jazz.

LA Lakers: First-year head coach Luke Walton said he was feeling encouraged after LA's 108-96 Tuesday win over the Pelicans in the team's home final. "It has been an amazing year so far," Walton told reporters after Tuesday's win. "There have been a lot of ups and downs. It's been a great year with these guys."That may not be all that much of an exaggeration, as the Lakers did win only games last season. The Lakers own their longest winning streak since notching five straight triumphs to end the 2012-13 season and the team's late-season surge ended its chances of securing the second-worst overall record. Phoenix will instead will claim that 'honor,' while Los Angeles will finish with the league's third-worst record. The Lakers likely will be without guard D'Angelo Russell for the second straight game as he left the team for Louisville, Ky., after the death of his grandmother.

Golden State: The Warriors figure to limit the minutes of their starters in this contest. Golden State Kevin Durant (knee) to further his comfort level with his teammates after recently returning from a knee injury, and he produced 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in each of his wants first two games back. "Overall, I felt good on the defensive end, got a few dunks," Durant told reporters after the contest against Utah. "I guess that's the last piece of the puzzle." Durant was sidelined for 19 contests and the loss to Utah marked the first time he and PG Stephen Curry had played together since Feb. 28.

The pick: Don't expect much from the Warriors in this one and make the Under an 8* play.