NBA fans, particularly those of the Los Angeles Lakers, will get their fill in a busy week as there are at least three games that you should check out, along with a rivalry game from the college ranks and a midweek NHL matchup between two floundering teams.

Monday

Mavericks Lakers Odds (10:30 PM ET): This will be the first time that the two clubs meet since Dallas swept the Lakers in humiliating fashion in last year’s playoffs. A BetOnline.com review would also tell you that it’s Lamar Odom’s return to Los Angeles after being traded in the offseason, so there is just one more subplot between these Western Conference rivals. Also, it’s the final game in a busy slate on Mart Luther King Day.

Tuesday

Michigan State Michigan Odds (7:00 PM ET): Neither team is being given much of a chance on the national stage according to those that work with price per head sportsbook services, but in the Big Ten they have a shot as the conference seems to be wide open. The Spartans weren’t even in the preseason top 25, yet find themselves at No.6 heading into the weekend, while the Wolverines are holding at No.13.

Wednesday

Capitals Canadiens Odds (7:30 PM ET): Washington was thought to be a Stanley Cup favorite by players that use price per head software, but they’re hanging onto the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference as of Friday. Meanwhile, the Canadiens have fired their coach and traded arguably the best player, and along with the language issue that surrounds their head coach, these aren’t good times to be a Montreal Canadien fan.

Thursday

Lakers Heat Odds (8:00 PM ET): There isn’t much that needs to be said about this massive showdown; the Heat host the Lakers and there will be a ton of star power on the court with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh suiting up for Miami, while Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol will try to power the Lakers in the first game of the TNT doubleheader.

Friday

Lakers Magic Odds (8:00 PM ET): The Lakers then turn around and head to Orlando to face the Magic, who spent the offseason warding off their advances for center Dwight Howard, who is a free agent after the season and many feel he’ll end up in Los Angeles. Chances are, the Lakers would have to part with Bynum, who has been playing very well as of late, but he has a tendency to get hurt (and that is being generous). The center position will be a point of interest and a definite talking point in this matchup when you bet on sports on Thursday.