Rating: 2 Units

A glaring issue for Indiana on the road has been their defense. New York's lowest-scoring home game in this series was 121 points. Indiana allowed the most free throw attempts all season, and that has carried into this series.  The real question is how are the Knicks going to get stops. Their injuries have left them severely undersized. Indiana was already the league's highest-scoring offense. They held the Pacers to a season-low 91 points in game five, also at home, but that won't happen again. Sharp rotations and denying the paint is a must, especially after allowing 62 points in the paint on Friday. The high-scoring Pacers have not had a "total" beneath 214.5 all season. 

Rating: 2 Units

It is impossible to ignore how injured the Knicks are right now. OG Anunoby's absence will hurt them on both ends, and they have an excellent record with him. However, Indiana's struggles in the first two games were not with scoring. Rather, their inability to get stops, especially while Brunson is on the floor, is hurting them. The Knicks are constantly getting open shots, hence their 55.4% shooting from the floor. New York's offensive rebounding will wake up eventually if the Pacers do start forcing misses. 

Rating: 2 Units

A lot of the ref's calls at the end of game one seemed to favor the Knicks. Regardless, now is not the time for the Pacers to rely on excuses. Rather, they need to keep scoring as they did during the regular season. Game one's 117 was encouraging, as this club is now up to 113.6 points per contest in the postseason. With all of the offense in the world, Indiana still has clear issues defensively. They gave up the fourth-most points per game this season and have followed it up by surrendering 111.7 in the playoffs, more than any other team still alive. In game one, a team that was 26th in defensive rebounding percentage and facing the NBA's best offensive rebounding unit held up nicely. New York only grabbed eight. It didn't matter, as the Knicks hit 53.7% of their field goals, 47.8% of their threes, and attempted 26 free throws. Indiana also forced 14 turnovers to no avail.

Rating: 2 Units

The Lakers don’t lean on 3-point shooting (35.1, 28th in 3-point rate), but they love to pick up the pace (101.0 possessions per 48 minutes, 6th). On the other side, the Pelicans are 25th in the league in 3-point rate (36.5) and 17th in pace (98.7). The total has gone under in four of the Pelicans’ last five outings, and I would ride this betting trend. As mentioned, the Pels have done a great defensive job lately, and I expect to see more of the same when they take on the Lakers. Six of the previous ten encounters between the Pels and Lakers have gone under. 

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the Over is 3-0-1 in Lobos last 4 games following a straight up win., 4-0 in Lobos last 4 Friday games, and 4-0-1 in Lobos last 5 road games. While the Over is 5-0 in Rams last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record, 4-0 in Rams last 4 vs. a team with a winning straight up record, 9-1 in Rams last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600, and 10-2-1 in Rams last 13 games following a ATS loss.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the Over is 6-0 in Nets last 6 games following a ATS loss, 4-0 in Nets last 4 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points, and 5-1-1 in Nets last 7 road games. While the Over is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 home games, 4-1 in Celtics last 5 Friday games, and 6-2 in Celtics last 8 overall.

Rating: 2 Units

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the Over is 13-3-1 in Nuggets last 17 home games, 8-2 in Nuggets last 10 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game, and 36-17-1 in Nuggets last 54 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. While the Over is 21-6 in Kings last 27 games following a double-digit loss at home, 5-2 in Kings last 7 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous gam, and 10-4 in Kings last 14 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Rating: 2 Units

The under 6-2 in Lakers last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game and 22-8-2 in Lakers last 32 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. While the under is 11-2 in the last 13 meetings and 8-0 in the last 8 meetings in Memphis.

Rating: 2 Units

The Rockets had mostly sidestepped COVID-related issues prior to Monday. They played without six rotation players after D.J. Augustin, Kenyon Martin Jr., Garrison Mathews and Jae'Sean Tate all entered health and safety protocols in advance of a 123-99 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Houston also played without its starting backcourt of Kevin Porter Jr. (thigh) and rookie Jalen Green (rest) while taking a fourth consecutive loss, but both should be available Tuesday. Still, the Rockets were forced to lean on a pair of G-League call-ups (Trevelin Queen and Daishen Nix), while three other rookies logged significant minutes in the loss to the Hornets. Queen put up a team-best 17 points after never scoring more than two in an NBA game previously. Consider that the over is 11-1 in Rockets last 12 games playing on 0 days rest.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the depleted Toronto Raptors on Sunday night.  The Cavs likely will face another short-handed team when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. Cleveland overcame COVID-19 absences of its own to beat the Raptors -- who were missing 10 players due to COVID -- 144-99 in Cleveland. Toronto was missing its top five scorers, all of whom were in the NBA's health and safety protocols. The Raptors had just four players from their regular roster available. Cleveland gained its most lopsided victory of the season despite having seven players in the health and safety protocols, including Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Consider that the Over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in New Orleans.

Rating: 2 Units

The Jaguars are the perfect under team. Kenpom makes them the worst offense in all of Division I. They also play at one of the slowest paces in the country. This has allowed the under to cash in all nine of their games against Division I opponents. The Eagles also play at a very slow pace. Their offense is not good either. They are only averaging 64.9 PPG against Division I teams. This game is going to be played at a criminally slow pace and stay under this low total.

Rating: 2 Units

These are two of the best offenses in the country. Kenpom ranks the Hawkeyes as the 4th best offense and the Aggies as the 46th best offense. This has allowed the over to cash at high rates for both of these teams. Six of the Hawkeyes seven home games and all six of the Aggies games away from home have gone over the total. This game is going to be played at an extremely fast pace and go over this total.

Rating: 2 Units

Both of these teams have been cashing the under consistently. The under has cashed in all five of the Gaels games away from home and the under has cashed in four of the Aztecs five home games this season. These teams have elite defenses. Kenpom ranks the Gaels as the 8th best defense and the Aztecs as the 11th best defense. Additionally, both of these teams play with no urgency. This will be a defensive battle from the tip. Take the under.

Rating: 2 Units

 I'll take this moderate total to go over in an interesting matchup between UCF and Temple. Central Florida seems to focus more on offensive production and runs up the score in road games. They're 3-0 on the over when away from home and each time the total has safely cashed by at least 10 points. Temple should help by getting to the free throw line and adding points with the clock stopped while staying competitive at home. The over is the play here.

Rating: 2 Units

The Spartans have a terrible offense. Kenpom ranks them as 333rd best offense in the country. Now they have to face the powerful Volunteers defense which Kenpom ranks number one in the country. Tennessee doesn’t have the most elite offense as proven in their game against Texas Tech. This total is way too high. This game shouldn’t come close to this total.

Rating: 2 Units

Both the Rams and the Panthers play with no urgency. The under has cashed in seven out of ten games for the Rams and six out of nine games for the Panthers. The Rams defense has been amazing this season only allowing 62.8 PPG. They should slow down the Panthers in this game. The Rams will slow down the pace in this game and keep this under the total.

Rating: 2 Units

Both of these teams struggle offensively and play with no urgency. The Broncos average 64.1 points per game and the Matadors are scoring 59.1 as both rank in the bottom 50 in the nation. The Broncos have gone Over the total in only two of their eight games, while the Matadors have done so just once in six contests. This game will be played at a very slow pace and stay Under this low total.

Rating: 2 Units

Big Ten opener for both and these are the two highest-scoring offenses in the country. The Hawkeyes are averaging 94 PPG and the Boilermakers 92.4. This game is going to be amazing to watch, very fast paced and high scoring. It will explode past the total.

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams are defense-oriented. The Toreros allow just 60 points per game and the Under has cashed in their last three games. The Matadors are averaging just 55 points away from home, while the Toreros allow 52.3 points per game at home. Both teams play at a slow pace. Go Under.

Rating: 2 Units

Combined, these two teams average 204.6 points per game this season, but OKC is again without star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his 20.4 points and 4.4 assists. Washington is a Top 10 defensive team and OKC in the Top 16 via rating.

Rating: 2 Units

In my mind, this is going to be a defensive slog in the Bahamas. Both clubs allow only around 60 points per game. Teams are shooting 34.5 percent against Sparty and 37 percent against the Ramblers. Not like either club knows these rims, either. And, yes, that does matter. First-year Loyola head coach Drew Valentine was a graduate assistant coach on Tom Izzo's staff at Michigan State in 2013-14 and 2014-15.

Rating: 2 Units

This number is way too low. The Red Raiders' offense has been spectacular so far this season. They are averaging 86.3 points on 48.5 percent shooting from the field. The Mavericks are terrible defensively so the Red Raiders will have an easy time scoring. And the Mavericks are good enough offensively to do their part and get this game Over.

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams are great defensively. The Cowboys are allowing 54.7 points per game, including an overtime contest, while the Antelopes are yielding 56 points per game. Both teams also play a s slow pace. Look for an offensive struggle as this is the first time either team has faced a strong defense.

Rating: 2 Units

This is the highest total on the board today and I'm always going Under a number this big. It's not that easy to get to 80 points in a college basketball game these days. South Dakota State is an excellent offensive team, but Nevada isn't about to get into a track meet with the Jackrabbits. The SportsLine Projection Model has this game finishing with 155 points.

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams are terrible offensively and strong defensively. Also, the Spartans play at one of the slowest paces in the nation. The Panthers' offensive numbers are skewed due to their 111-point outburst against a non-Division I opponent. Under is the play.

Rating: 2 Units

The Aztecs have one of the best defenses in the country. They are only allowing 60.7 PPG and they have had some tough competition to start this season. Now they face the Mavericks who are terrible offensively. They only average 64 PPG which doesn’t tell the entire story. They scored 104 against a non-division I school and they had a game go into overtime. According to Kenpom, they are 324th in adjusted offensive efficiency. These teams are terrible from behind the arc and at the free throw line which helps the under a lot. The Aztecs like to play at a slow pace and have a defensive mentality. This is going to be a boring game to watch with points being very hard to come by. Under is the play.

Rating: 2 Unit

This total is perplexing considering these teams combined for 203 points in the same gym on Wednesday when the Mavs were without Luka Doncic. He's listed as doubtful tonight. Why would the score change much? Dallas only got 98 points in the first game despite shooting 16-for-32 from deep, and the Mavericks aren't repeating that.

Rating; 2 Units

These teams have terrible offenses. The Panthers' numbers are inflated from their game against a non-Division I opponent, and the Phoenix went to double overtime in their first game. The Phoenix like to slow the game down and should have no problem doing that against the Panthers. FIU is strong defensively, and both teams are on a back-to-back, which will hurt the offenses. Under is the play.

Rating: 2 Units

 Both the Spartans and Phoenix like to play at a slow pace. And they're not good offensively. The Spartans rank 246th and the Phoenix 299th in adjusted offensive efficiency. The Spartans are averaging 60.7 points and the Phoenix 55.5, and that includes both teams having played an overtime game. The Spartans' defense looks tough as they are allowing just 56.7 points per game. Go Under.

Rating: 2 Units

 Both of these teams have elite defenses. The Bonnies have allowed just 53.5 points per game, the Broncos 57 points per game. Both play very slow offensively. Both teams like to score in the paint, but these defenses thrive at rim protection. These are two of the worst three-point shooting teams in the nation. Go Under.

Rating: 2 Units

These teams have looked terrible offensively. Out of 358 teams, the Jaguars are ranked 341st and the Pioneers 346th in adjusted offensive efficiency, per KenPom. With the slow tempo that the Jaguars like to play at, this game won’t come close to this number. Under is the play.

Rating: 2 Unit

The model makes this one 138.5, which is a very strong play on a total. I think we see a good deal of 3-pointers in this game, which should help us cash in. Princeton took 31 shots from long distance against South Carolina and Minnesota has averaged 20 3-point attempts in its first two games. If the deep shots fall at any decent rate, this one should get above 133. Take the Over.

Rating: 2 Units

 This line opened at 142.5 and has been hammered by sharp money up to 149.5. When this happens, the likelihood is that the sharps got a much better number than what's available, with the books compensating by raising the line. I think we probably got too much of a reaction, and my model is going to make this one closer to the original number at 143. Therefore, I'll happily go with what looks like a 6.5-point edge and take the gamble that this comes in lower than billed. This being an in-state rivalry also should aid the Under.

Rating: 2 Units

This line opened at 133, which my numbers had as a fair line, but it's been bet down to 130, and I have that as an actionable number. I have the game getting to 135, and I think both offenses have the ability to find the bucket. Fairfield went Over by 20 points in its first game against Providence. BC has come within four points of the total in each of its first two contests. So with the model indicating Over, I'd play this up to 131 at the most.

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams were terrible offensively in their openers. They both shot under 40 percent from the field. Defensively, the Aggies were dominant, holding UNF to just 46 points. The Wildcats showed flashes of defensive potential as well as they held the Utes to under 40 percent from the field. Both of these teams like to play at a slower pace. Go Under.

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams are missing big scorers in Khris Middleton and Jaylen Brown. The Bucks have been one of the best Under teams in the NBA with 75 percent of their games landing Under. Sixty percent of Boston's have and three of four at home.

Rating: 2 Units

 Every model I can find has this final score being at least six points lower than the listed total -- the SportsLine Projection Model has it at 141 points. KenPom ranks Rider at No. 206 in adjusted offensive efficiency entering the season and Duquesne 225. Both schools added a ton of transfers so the offenses could be rather shaky in the early going. The Dukes are replacing 10 of their top 12 scorers from last year's opening day roster. One of those top transfers, RJ Gunn, is not expected to play due to injury.

Rating: 2 Units

I don't believe that Nuggets star Nikola Jokic is going to play with a knee injury, and that obviously massively downgrades Denver offensively. The team is struggling to score as it is -- both the Mavs and Nugs are in the bottom 10 in scoring but Top 10 in scoring defense. If/when Jokic is ruled out, I may come back and take Dallas ATS, although it is in the second of a B2B so not a lock I will do so.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the under is 6-1 in Hawks last 7 games as a road underdog, 6-1 in Hawks last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, 6-1 in Hawks last 7 road games, and 9-2 in Hawks last 11 games following a straight up win. While the under is 6-1 in Bucks last 7 home games, 5-1-1 in Bucks last 7 overall, and 5-1 in Bucks last 6 games as a home favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

While the two games at Brooklyn both stayed below the total, a change of venue should bring more scoring. The Bucks average 120.8 ppg on this floor. Needless to say, they're going to score more than they did in Game 2. Slowing down the Nets is a different matter; Brooklyn averages 119.9 ppg on the road. The last meeting between these teams, here at Milwaukee, produced 242 points. I won't be surprised if this one also cracks the 240 mark.

Rating: 4 Units

Game 7s are typically possession-by-possession affairs with more physicality allowed by the refs, fewer fouls called, more shots challenged… and these two teams have already failed to reach their offensive averages eight of nine (L.A) and six of nine (Dallas) times against each other this season. Only one way for us to see this one.

Rating: 3 Units

The Cavaliers are the lowest scoring team in the NBA at 103.7 ppg. But everybody has been filling the net against the Pacers recently. Their saving grace is that they have plenty of scoring themselves. Without the inside presence of Myles Turner, most opponents have been getting to the hoop with no problem against matador Indiana defense. Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has targeted the low scoring output and having his players play at a quicker tempo, taking more shots, which has completely ruined their already ordinary-at-best defensive capabilities.

Rating: 3 Units

No Zion Williamson, no Brandon Ingram, no problem playing defense for the Hornets, probably. The Ball Brothers — Lonzo for the visitor, LaMelo for the home team — will engage in a 3-point missing contest. Via some miracle, the Pelicans have the NBA’s second-best defensive efficiency rating in the last 15 games, a number that should remain in range with Devonte’ Graham, Gordon Hayward and probably Miles Bridges out for Charlotte.

Rating: 4 Unit NBA Total of the Day

All reports indicate that neither Lebron James nor Dennis Schroeder will suit up for the Lakers tonight. Those are the two guys for whom the offense flows its best. They won a game vs. Denver the other night without them, when both teams scored less than 100 points. When you have good defenders, you give yourself a chance to win that way. Kahwi Leonard has been deferring to Clippers’ teammates lately while he plays with a nagging injury.

Rating: 4 Unit NBA Total of the Day

Normally we’d say that ‘What went up must come down’ after the Pacers scored 152 points vs. OKC in their last game. But coming down 28 points from 152 still leaves you with 124, and the opponent is the Wizards, known for their sizable defensive yields (and offensive stat-stuffing). The Stat Guys, Westbrook and Beal, see this as a personal challenge to get to 153 points. ‘Hey, these guys can score. We need to score 40 per quarter!’ Westbook figures to have a free pass to attack the hoop all night long in the absence of Myles Turner, Indiana’s defensive anchor/shot-blocker. First-season Pacers’ head coach Nate Bjorken has ruined their prior defensive systems as he is intent on installing and executing his ‘get it and go’ offensive system from the Raptors. Which is the main reason why they have a losing record. But everybody’s scoring average is up, so no harm done.

Rating: 4 Units

John Wall is out for the Rockets, so an inefficient offense with the worst three-point percentage in the NBA should probably get worse. The Bucks would figure to get a comfortable lead in this and with so few games remaining in the regular season, they should be looking to avoid getting into a track meet, play some defense because it will become more necessary in the post-season, and get that right instead of running up and down the floor trying to pile up as many points as possible, which would create the type of game from which a team would gain nothing from, other than a cheap W against a lousy team, which any decent team can accomplish.

Rating: 4 Unit NBA Total of the Day

While the Hornets have been able to score 60 and 66 points in one first half and one second half during the last week, followed up, and preceded, those halves with very sub-par halves. It’s all part of the ’16-point quarters’ that head coach James Borrego is on record as saying that he expects in the absence of some productive offensive players. They’ve slowed down the pace and have tightened up the defense to help make up for the scoring droughts. Given the way the Celtics have improved their own defense, expect a few of those scoring droughts for the home side this afternoon.

Rating: 4 Unit NBA Total of the Day

Unrealistic for the Cavaliers to up and duplicate what they did against the Bulls the other night — scored 121 points. They average only 104.1 ppg, fewest in the NBA. They won 103-90 in Charlotte nine days ago. Opponents are onto the Hornets in the absence of key offensive players Gordon Hayward, LaMelo Ball and Malik Monk. The latter isn’t really a consistent offensive threat, anyway. Head coach James Borrego is actually expecting these weak-butt 16 point quarters. The other day he said something like, ‘I have to find something for when we have those 16-point quarters…” Hey, guess what? After you have the 16-point quarter, it’s too late to find anything and you probably don’t have it, anyway. Since scoring only 90 in the loss vs. Cleveland, the Hornets have scored only 97 and 91 in defeats at New York and Chicago.

Rating: 4 Unit NBA Total of the Day

The Hawks’ rotation is loaded with good-percentage three-point shooters around center Clint Capela, who should own his match-up against the Knicks’ Nerlens Noel if he can stay out of foul trouble. Good offensive players such as Bogdan Bodanovich, Lou Williams for Atlanta, and Derrick Rose of New York, have not played in either one, or both, of the meetings between the Hawks and Knicks so far, which ended with 221 points in January, 235 points in February. By our math, those numbers are larger than tonight’s total of 217.5.

Rating: 4 Unit NBA Total of the Day

When two teams lazy with the defense (118.1 and 118.6 ppg allowed, #28 and #30 in a 30-team league) get together and the home team is #9 in scoring offense, and the road team is fully capable of scoring a lot of points when most of its best players are playing, and was able to score 116 vs. the Kings when they recently met in Minnesota, then getting cute with an Under doesn’t seem like the way to go. Sacramento center Richaun Holmes thinks that he should receive more attention for his defense, and maybe he’s right. But his ability to play it well enough hasn’t rubbed off on his teammates, and Holmes has missed the last four games anyway, and won’t play tonight. The one guy out of five who buys into defense ain’t there.

NBA Total of the Day

‘We couldn’t get stops when we needed to’ has been a common statement made by an Indiana player in recent post-game laments. They can score and they’re not shy about putting up shots — an NBA-high 97.2 of them in their last five games, and both the Pacers and Spurs are in the top five in shot attempts per game for the season. Indiana played yesterday. Therefore, from the get-go, the rested and ready Spurs should come out with their younger legs and attack the Pacers’ relatively weak interior defense, an overrated part of Indiana’s game with Myles Turner’s blocks totals impressing a lot of people who don’t see the big picture. At the end of regulation in San Antonio, the teams were at 126-126. That’s 252 points, 21.5 more points than tonight’s total.

Rating; 4 Units

The Bulls lost the most recent meeting with the Cavs 103-94 on March 24. Without Zach Lavine on the floor for the Bulls, the Cavaliers, whose 111.1 ppg allowed ranks #11 in scoring defense, have an easier time of it on that end of the floor. Last night, Chicago overcompensated in attempting to protect the paint and were deficient about getting out on Memphis’ three-point shooters. Live and learn, practice makes perfect, and these games are often practices. In Cleveland, Chicago faces an opponent that takes and makes the fewest three-pointers per game in the NBA. You don’t even have to get out after them much on the perimeter. They’re not going there often and when they do, their 33.8% make rate is #29 in a 30-team league.

Rating: 4 Units

After resting the three players mentioned in today’s Winning Points in the automatic home win against Oklahoma City on Wednesday night, the Jazz will show up with close to a full boat in front of their home fans, and not deprive them of points two games in a row. Utah scored only 22 points in the first quarter, 18 points in the fourth vs. OKC. Unacceptable. A repeat of that would give the Pacers license to steal one tonight. Neither side shot well (41.3% for Utah, 39.8% for Indiana) when the Jazz won 103-95 on the road in January. The Pacers have added Caris LeVert to the offensive arsenal since then. Myles Turner has missed the last few games for them which helps unclog the interior for them on offense, but hurts on the defensive end.

Rating: 4 Unit Total of the Day

The first meeting in Boston was 96-95 game that included Lebron James and Anthony Davis for the Lakers. That’s a lot of points, from guys who get fouled a lot, missing for the re-match as far as the Lakers are concerned. They might have to get lucky to reach our forecast of 90.

Rating: 3 Units

The Suns let their defensive guard down in the second half last night after they’d led the Rockets by as many as 25 points, a lead that was built up on wide-open three-pointers against socially distant Houston defense. The Heat, by their own account, packed their defensive pants for this West Coast road trip. They held the offensive-minded Blazers to 98 points on Sunday while scoring 107 of their own, which is 7 points fewer than defensively suspect Portland allows per game.

Rating: 3 Units

The Hornets will be without Gordon Hayward, LaMelo Ball and Malik Monk, scorers #2, #3 and #5 at 19.6, 15.9 and 13.1 ppg. Terry Rozier, Devonte Graham, Miles Bridges — all nice players but not the most consistent in terms of scoring reliability — get more minutes and shots in their absences. The Lakers will be without Davis and James, who, of course, are their top two scorers at 22.5 and 25.4 ppg. The B squad is 5-8 when both don’t play because they can’t replace that kind of production.

Rating: 3 Units

Jamal Murray hasn’t played the last four games for Denver. Center James Wiseman is out for Golden State. Kelly Oubre seems unlikely for them as well, which would leave them without their #3 and #4 scorers. Murray is Denver’s #2 scorer. If he hasn’t played four in a row, it seems unlikely they’d ship him along with the rest of team for the second of back-to-backs. With offensive cogs missing on both sides, the defensive assignments become easier. Not as easy as Denver scoring only 8 points in yesterday’s fourth quarter but you get the idea.

Rating: 3 Units

The Kings allow an average of 118.5 points per game, and that’s without having played the Jazz yet! They still have three games to play against Utah, who scores 117.0 ppg, #3 in the NBA. Sacramento’s defense was bad enough to give up 115 to the Lakers with L.A. missing Lebron James and Anthony Davis. The Spurs, who’ve been losing a lot of games lately, got 115 and 120 against the Kings, who can put the ball in the basket well enough. Sacramento has scored 141 and 132 vs. the Spurs and Warriors very recently, 128 vs. the Bucks.

Rating: 3 Units

Losing LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward puts a major crimp in the Charlotte offense. Losing Shai Gilgeious-Alexander, Al Horford, having Lu Dort hurt all the time, puts a major crimp in the OKC offense. In their last five games, both teams are shooting only 41.5% overall, which is #28 and #29 in that span in a 30-team league.

Rating: 3 Units

In an effort to make the playoffs, the Bulls acquired Nikola Vucevic from Orlando. He has not disappointed, scoring 21+ points in every game so far. Defense is optional in their first season under Billy Donovan. The available players have been changing since Day 1 because of injuries, etc. and now the trade. It’s hard enough to install a defensive system in Year One without having interruptions in the rotations. But they’ve got two guys who can go off — Zach Lavine and Vucevic — and Lauri Maarkenen isn’t chopped liver at 16.4 ppg. Malcolm Brogdon is an overlooked Pacer leading them in scoring at 21.2 ppg. Caris Levert joined them 12 games ago and averages 15.9 ppg. Nate Bkorkenen is another first-season head coach and he’s been wanting the Pacers to play more like the Raptors, which is what many new coaches do after they were assistants on teams that won. Better to do it with Raptors players better conditioned for it. Defense has been getting lost in the translation.

Rating: 10 Unit NBA 10* Total of the Month

Consider that the over is  4-0 in Jazz last 4 games following a straight up win, 11-1 in Jazz last 12 Monday games, 7-1 in Jazz last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400 and 6-2 in Jazz last 8 games as a road favorite.  While the over is19-8 in Bulls last 27 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and 7-3 in Bulls last 10 games as an underdog.

Rating: 5 Unit CBB Total of the Month

Consider that the over is 9-1 in Bearcats last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600,  6-1 in Bearcats last 7 games following a straight up win, 4-1 in Bearcats last 5 games as an underdog, and 16-5 in Bearcats last 21 overall.

Rating: 3 Unit Total of the Week

The under is 14-6 in Eagles last 20 overall, 37-16 in Eagles last 53 games following a straight up win, and 23-10 in Eagles last 33 road games. While the under is 6-2 in Cougars last 8 games as a home underdog and 7-3 in Cougars last 10 home games.

Rating: 5 Unit NBA Total of the Week

Consider that the over is 14-3 in Nets last 17 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game, 9-2 in Nets last 11 games following a ATS loss, 13-3 in Nets last 16 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game, 13-3 in Nets last 16 games as a favorite, 16-5 in Nets last 21 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game, and 19-7 in Nets last 26 overall. While the over is 19-7 in Pistons last 26 games playing on 2 days rest, 8-3 in Pistons last 11 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game, and 16-6 in Pistons last 22 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

Rating: 3 Unit CBB Total of the Day

The under is  4-1 in Monarchs last 5 overall, 8-2 in Monarchs last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record, 4-1 in Monarchs last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600, and 5-2 in Monarchs last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. While the under is 7-3 in Thundering Herd last 10 games following a ATS loss.

Rating: 3 Unit Rebound Total of the Day

The under is 4-0 in Bison last 4 Saturday games. While the under is
5-2 in Hatters last 7 overall, and 5-2 in Hatters last 7 games as an underdog.

Rating: 3 Unit NCAAB Total of the Day

Notes to consider... This one gets re-scheduled for tonight after last Friday’s postponement, which caused some now-familiar re-shuffling of the A-Sun schedule last weekend. The Mad Hatters instead got FGCU and eventually broke a 4-game skid when beating the Eagles on Saturday, which also snapped a 5-game Stetson “under” streak. Prior to that 77-66 win, Stetson was only scoring 63 ppg in its previous six league games, as HC Donnie Jones has a tight rein on his troops, who often rely upon soph G Rob Perry (such as the win over FGCU, when he scored 30). Lipscomb not especially dynamic, either, scoring just 66 ppg its last six A-Sun games

Rating: 3 Unit CBB Play of the Day

The over is 16-3 in Rebels last 19 Sunday games, 9-4 in Rebels last 13 games following a ATS loss, and 37-18 in Rebels last 55 games following a straight up loss. While the Over is 16-5 in Wolf Pack last 21 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, 16-6 in Wolf Pack last 22 games as a favorite, and 15-7-1 in Wolf Pack last 23 overall

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAB Total of the Day

The under is is 7-1 in Hilltoppers last 8 vs. a team with a losing straight up record and 6-2 in Hilltoppers last 8 road games. While the under is 11-3 in Blue Raiders last 14 overall, 7-2 in Blue Raiders last 9 home games, and 13-5 in Blue Raiders last 18 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Rating: 4 Unit CBB Total of the Day

The under is 5-1 in Gamecocks last 6 games as an underdog, 11-4 in Gamecocks last 15 Saturday games, 5-2 in Gamecocks last 7 games as a road underdog. While the under is 16-5-1 in Governors last 22 overall, 6-2-1 in Governors last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600, and 18-7-1 in Governors last 26 games following a ATS loss.

CBB Play of the Day

The over is 12-3 in 49ers last 15 games as a road underdog, 12-3 in 49ers last 15 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, 6-2 in 49ers last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, and 7-3 in 49ers last 10 games following a ATS win. While the over is 4-0 in Owls last 4 games as a favorite, 6-1 in Owls last 7 overall, and 5-1 in Owls last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

All the elements were there noting a performance worth lauding, and Houston's dismantling of visiting UCF on Sunday provided a showcase of the Cougars' excellence. However, as evidence of how high the bar has been raised for the No. 8 Cougars, there was plenty to assess regarding how they could improve upon their near-perfect first half. The Cougars carried a 45-19 lead to the break after knocking down 6 of 14 3-point attempts and grabbing seven steals. Ultimately, the Cougars rolled to their fourth consecutive win, a 75-58 decision that Houston (11-1, 6-1 American Athletic Conference) will use as a springboard for its rematch against visiting Tulsa on Wednesday. The Golden Hurricane handed the Cougars their lone loss of the season, prevailing 65-64 on Dec. 29 in Tulsa. As for the Cougars' win over UCF, Houston coach Kelvin Sampson said, "Teachers are always looking for teaching moments, and we had plenty. A lot of good moments, too. If you listen to me .. you'd think we lost. But I'm pretty sure we won, right?" Individually and collectively, the Cougars provided glimpses of what makes them formidable. They forced 20 turnovers and converted those miscues into 22 points, grabbed 17 offensive rebounds that resulted in 14 second-chance points, and limited UCF to 4-of-19 3-point shooting. Houston's Quentin Grimes scored 18 points, essentially matching his team-leading average of 17.8, while Justin Gorham added 15 point and nine rebounds.

Rating: 2 Units

The under is 14-5 in Monarchs last 19 Saturday games, 13-5 in Monarchs last 18 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, and 15-6 in Monarchs last 21 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. While the under is 8-3 in Owls last 11 overall and 5-2 in Owls last 7 games following a straight up win

Rating: 2 Units

The over is 6-2 in Aztecs last 8 games after scoring less than 50 points in their previous game, 8-3-1 in Aztecs last 12 games following a ATS loss, and 5-2 in Aztecs last 7 road games.

Rating: 2 Units

The Under is 4-1 in Bulldogs last 5 overall, 4-1 in Bulldogs last 5 home games, and 5-2 in Bulldogs last 7 games following a straight up win.

Rating: 2 Units

The Over is 13-3 in Cowboys last 16 games following a ATS loss, 20-6 in Cowboys last 26 home games vs. a team with a winning road record, 16-5 in Cowboys last 21 games following a straight up loss, and 12-4 in Cowboys last 16 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. In addition, the Over is 4-0 in Broncos last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.

Rating: 2 Units

Offensive production is off a bit this season for David Cox’s Rams, especially top scorer G Fatts Russell, one of the most-potent A-10 weapons a year ago down from 18.8 points per game to 13.8 points per game, and Rhode Island ranks well up the track (302 out of 329) in the telling assist- per-game category (only 10.4). The Rams should win, probably comfortably, but more intrigued by this 150s “total” that seems too high, especially considering these matchups landed on 132 and 128, respectively, a year ago

Rating: 2 Units

These teams met twice already this season, and both meetings came up well short of 221 points. Not once in the last 10 meetings between these teams have bookmakers listed a total as high as 221 points. In fact nine of the last 10 times these teams have faced each other the total was lower than 215 points. Miami is allowing an average of 108 points per game this season, and they gave up 107 points in a loss to Toronto in their last game. Boston is allowing an average of 107 points per game, ranking #3 in the NBA in that category.

Rating: 2 Units

All four regular season meetings went Under. That's not too surprising actually as neither team plays at a fast pace. The Under is 6-1 in Denver's last seven home games and 21-7 their last 28 games overall. The Under is 7-2 in San Antonio's last nine road games and 9-0 their last nine conference games. When their jumpers aren't falling, the Spurs can struggle to score. While that's not a problem entirely unique to them, they are pretty dependent on three-point shots going in. The Nuggets play much better defense at home (103.6 PPG allowed) than on the road, but we're interested to see where the buckets come from on a team that lacks a primary scorer and playoff experience.

Rating:  2 Units

The Thunder are a top five team in defensive efficiency and Dallas was just held to only 99 points in their last game. But the problem for OKC is their own lack of scoring. Over the last 10 games, they've broken the 108 pt barrier only twice. They just lost 115-105 to Denver here at home Friday night. The Under is 8-2 the L10 times the Thunder have been coming off a double digit loss at home. They should also allow a far lower shooting percentage here than they did to the Nuggets (who shot at a blistering 56.5% clip).

Rating: 2 Units

The Grizzlies are known as a defensive team. While that's mostly true, they've still allowed nine of their last 10 opponents to reach triple-digits in scoring. The last time that the Blazers played the second of back to back games, they allowed 143 points. The last two meetings between these teams have both produced 211 combined points.

Rating: 2 Units

Houston is led by superstar guard James Harden, who is the odds-on favorite to win his first MVP award this season after leading the league in scoring at an average of 30.4 points and adding 8.8 assists. The difference for the team this time around in the playoffs is that Harden has another future Hall of Famer in the backcourt with the addition of point guard Chris Paul, who is in awe of his teammate. Over is 11-3 in Timberwolves last 14 vs. a team with a winning straight up record, 12-5 in Timberwolves last 17 vs. NBA Southwest, and 15-7 in Timberwolves last 22 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

This has been maybe the most exciting match up of the season to date in NBA, with three meetings decided all by 4 or fewer, and each of those also “over” in the process. T-wolves have also covered all three of those clashes. Moving forward, we’ll see how Minnesota adapts without injured PG Jeff Teague. The issue isn’t replacing Teague with Tyus Jones in the starting lineup, but rather the loss of one of the few players that has Tom Thibodeau’s trust. The Jones-at-point-guard starting lineup was a plus-48 in its 44 minutes over two games without Teague last week, but the Wolves were outscored by 37 points in 52 minutes with at least one reserve on the floor, with their bench being primarily responsible for a recent loss in Milwaukee. Their depth will continue to be tested as they play a league-high 17 games in January, but with Jimmy Butler carrying a bigger load, T-wolves like their chances.

Rating: 2 Units

New Orleans playing unusual set of home games on back-to-back nights, while rested New York is coming off Thursday’s visit to San Antonio. The Pels covered three of their first four this season when unrested, and must note the home team is 23-10 vs. the points in New York Knick games this season. The Pelicans took care of the Knicks twice last season, with PF Anthony Davis scoring 31.5 ppg and taking 18 rpg. New Orleans didn’t have the services of C Boogie Cousins for either game last season and still won and covered both against the Knicks, with NY leader Kristaps Porzingis held to 15 ppg and 33% by Davis. Three of the top four Knick scorers in the series from last season are no longer with the team. Pels 12-2 L14 “over” prior to facing Dallas last night (9-1 L10 at Smoothie King Center).

Rating: 2 Units

With return of C Hassan Whiteside from a knee injury against Orlando, Miami regained a key piece. However, Heat G Dion Waiters (14.3 ppg) is down 2-3 weeks with a sprained ankle, and Miami will likely be without starting F Justise Winslow (only minimal practice work Thursday) and tough guy F James Johnson (iffy with an ankle). However, series tech trend favors Miami, which is 15-2 SU and has covered 11 of the last 12 meetings with the Nets. Brooklyn has dropped 6 of its last 8 against the spread, and has been sloppy in December, committing 15 turnovers per game. Nets on 12-4 “under” run; Heat “under” 20-8 L28.

Rating: 2 Units

The recent trend to note with New Orleans is its string of eleven straight “over” results thru Dec. 21. What gives? Pels rank 27th defensively in the fourth quarter and 30th defensively over the last three weeks. Even over that 11-game stretch, they’ve allowed a reasonable 105.7 points per 100 possessions with both Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis in the game, but they’ve been pretty dreadful defensively with one or both off the floor. Nets trending the other way lately (“under” 8-1 last nine thru Dec. 21), but Brooklyn defensive efficiency numbers have dropped off into mid-December, so another high-scoring New Orleans game could be in the offing.

Rating: @ Units

All of a sudden, New Orleans games have resembled indoor track meets, with Pels scoring 108 or more in last eight thru Dec. 14, and “overs” nine straight into Dec. 15 game vs. Nuggets. New Orleans had a 30-point scorer in each of its first five December games, with Rajon Rondo registering a 57/9 assist-turnover ratio, E’Twaun Moore and Dante Cunningham combining to shoot 26-for-41 from 3- point range, and their opponents shooting pretty well too. Now Anthony Davis has returned to the fold, so the points should continue to flow. Fortunately for Wiz, John Wall has been activated after recent knee injury, and if Wall is at full strength, this could turn into quite a fireworks show at Cap One Arena.

Rating: 2 Units

The Clippers held on by a thread to beat Washington 113-112 on Dec. 9 in Los Angeles, but the lineups will be shifted in the Wizards’ favor this time around. Washington G John Wall has returned from an extended absence, while the Clippers will likely be without G Austin Rivers (concussion) and F Danilo Gallinari (glute contusion). The Clips will especially miss Gallinari, who was the top LA starter that night, scoring 25 points. On the plus side, LA welcomed back PG Milos Teodosic recently, stabilizing the position in the wake of injuries to Patrick Beverley and Rivers. Wizards can make the revenge angle work, but Scott Brooks’ crew hasn’t gotten much separation at Capital One Arena this season, logging a 3-8 mark as home chalk. “Under” might be a better option, as the Wizards went that way in 6 of their last 7 and the Clips are without Gallinari.

Rating: 2 Units

The Over is 10-4 in Warriors last 14 games following a straight up win, 5-2 in Warriors last 7 vs. Western Conference, and 10-4 in Warriors last 14 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. While the Over is 9-1 in Spurs last 10 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game, 7-1 in Spurs last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game, and 5-1 in Spurs last 6 games following a ATS win.

Rating: 2 Units

The under is 4-0 in Rockets last 4 Thursday games, 8-3 in Rockets last 11 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600 and 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Houston.

Rating: 2 Units

The under is 10-3-1 in Rockets last 14 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, 8-3-1 in Rockets last 12 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 and 9-4 in Rockets last 13 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

Boston has been “over” 18-4 in its last 22 prior to hosting the Lakers Friday, and the last 10 Celtic games have averaged 222.4 ppg after tallying 222.6 in 14 games in January. Boston played last night, and Celtics have been “over” the total in 6 of last 7 games when unrested. The Clippers have been over the total in their last 5 games, giving up 123 ppg in that run.

Rating: 2 Units

Rating: 2 Units

The Over is 10-2 in Spurs last 12 games following a ATS win, 4-1 in Spurs last 5 home games versus a team with a road winning % of less than .400, and 12-3 in Spurs last 15 home games. While the Over is 20-8 in the last 28 meetings in San Antonio.

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>While James couldn’t hold up in the heat, San Antonio veteran Tim Duncan thrived with 21 points on 9-of-10 shooting to go with 10 rebounds. The 38-year-old power forward played 33 minutes and operated at will in the interior. Duncan shot 49 percent against Miami in the 2013 Finals while averaging 18.9 points and 12.1 rebounds. In addition, the over is 12-3 in the L15 Miami playoff games and they are 19-9 over in the last 28 games vs. Southwest Division Opponents.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The over is 20-8 in San Antonio games when they are coming off three or more UNDERS. The over is 32-20 after having won four or five of the last six games.  The OVER is 47-38 in San Antonio games coming off a game as a favorite and they are averaging 108 points over the last five games.</p>