7* NBA Total of the Week on Jazz/Timberwolves UNDER 222 

The Key: This is one of my favorite situations to bet an UNDER.  The Jazz and Timberwolves are playing a home-and-home here after the Minnesota beat Utah 112-102 on the road Monday night.  That game saw 214 combined points, and now the total is 222 in the rematch in Minnesota.  I think it’s too high, and now that these teams are familiar with one another, points will be hard to come by tonight.  Utah is 25-8 UNDER off a double-digit loss as a favorite of 6 points or more and 20-5 UNDER off a double-digit loss as a home favorite of 6 points or more.  The UNDER is 13-3 in Jazz last 16 games overall, 6-1 in Jazz last 7 road games, and 8-0 in Jazz last 8 games playing on one days rest.  Take the UNDER. 

6* NBA Eastern Conference *CA$H COW* on Bulls/Bucks UNDER 230.5 

The Key: This is one of my favorite situations to bet an UNDER.  It worked yesterday with the 76ers/Cavs UNDER, and it will work tonight with the Bulls/Bucks UNDER.  The Bulls and Bucks will be playing in a rematch from a 124-115 home win by Milwaukee on November 14th less than a week ago.  The Bulls made 18 3-pointers in that game, and the Bucks shot 47 free throws.  Those are things that are unlikely to happen again, and the rematch will be more lower scoring because these teams are familiar with one another.  The UNDER is 26-11-1 in the Bulls last 38 home games against a team with a winning road record.  Take the UNDER. 

6* Sunday NBA *Total* Annihilator on 76ers/Cavs UNDER 216 

The Key: This is one of my favorite situations to bet an UNDER.  The 76ers and Cavaliers will be playing in a rematch from Philly’s 98-97 home win on November 12th.  Now they are playing again just 5 days later and will be familiar with one another obviously.  And that first meeting only saw 195 combined points, so this 216-point total is too high.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Cavs last 4 games overall.  The UNDER is 18-8 in the last 26 meetings.  The UNDER is 15-6 in the last 21 meetings in Cleveland.  Take the UNDER. 

6* Mavs/Knicks TNT *CA$H COW* on UNDER 215.5 

The Key: The Mavericks and Knicks just played 6 days ago with the Knicks pulling the 106-102 upset in Dallas for 208 combined points.  I think we see another defensive struggle in the rematch here tonight.  The Knicks are scoring just 99.5 PPG on the season and 94.7 PPG at home, so I don’t think they’ll be able to hold up their end of the bargain offensively.  Dallas is 21-11 UNDER when revenging a same season loss over the last 2 years.  New York is 13-3 UNDER in home games after going over the total in their previous game over the last 2 years.  The UNDER is 34-16-1 in Knicks last 51 games overall.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA Total of the Week on Pistons/Pacers UNDER 211 

The Key: The Pistons and Pacers square off for a 3rd time already this season.  They only combined for 190 points in their last meeting on October 28th.  Points will be hard to come by again in this rematch because both teams have the injury bug right now to almost all of their key scorers.  The Pistons are without Griffin, Jackson and Rose.  The Pacers are without Oladipo and Lamb and Turner is questionable.  Indiana is 8-0 UNDER when revenging a loss as a road favorite over the last 3 years.  Indiana is 20-4 UNDER at home with a total of 210 to 219.5 over the last 2 years.  Take the UNDER. 

6* Heat/Hawks NBA *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 215 

The Key: I really like betting the UNDER in Game 2 of these home-and-home situations.  The Heat and Hawks played on Tuesday with the Heat winning 112-97 at home in a game that saw 209 combined points.  And now Trae Young won’t be available for this game, yet the total is 215.  The Hawks are lost offensively without Young and it showed in that game Tuesday when he went out with the Heat leading 33-31.  The Heat went on a big run after that and put away the Hawks, who shot just 42.2% from eh field.  The UNDER is 25-12 in Heat last 37 Thursday games.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Hawks last 4 games overall.  The UNDER is 35-17 in the last 52 meetings.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Suns/Warriors NBA *BAILOUT* on OVER 229 

The Key: The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors both like to get up and down the floor as both teams rank in the top half of the league in pace.  Both teams also rank in the top half of the league in offensive efficiency, and the Warriors are dead last in defensive efficiency.  The Suns rank well on defense right now, but that’s not going to last.  The Suns are scoring 114 PPG, the Warriors are scoring 116 PPG, and the Warriors are giving up 128 PPG.  Teams are shooting 54.2% on this soft Warriors defense.  These teams have combined for at least 224 points in 6 of their last 7 meetings.  The OVER is 7-1 in Suns last 8 games off a loss.  The OVER is 17-8 in the last 25 meetings at Golden State.  Take the OVER. 

6* Bucks/Rockets NBA *Total* Annihilator on OVER 229 

The Key: This is a great opener for both teams that fans should love.  The Bucks ranked 2nd in the NBA in pace in the preseason with 111 possessions per game and will play at one of the fastest paces in the league during the regular season as well.  The Rockets ranked 6th in pace in the preseason.  So this is a matchup of 2 of the top 6 teams in pace, which screams OVER.  The OVER is 8-2 in Bucks last 10 road games.  The OVER is 9-3 in Bucks last 12 against Western Conference teams.  Take the OVER. 

7* Raptors/Warriors Game 6 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 211.5 

The Key: Points are harder to come by the longer a series goes on simply because of teams getting more familiar with one another.  It always favors the defenses.  These teams combined for 197 points in Game 4 and 211 points in Game 5.  And now Kevin Durant is out for the remainder of the series and we still have a total higher than those two results at 211.5 tonight.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Warriors/Raptors Game 5 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 214.5 

The Key: The longer a series goes on, the harder it is to score points.  Familiarity makes it easy for the defenses to have the advantage as a series goes on.  We saw that in Game 4 in a 105-92 Raptors win for 197 combined points with a total of 215.  Now we have a near identical total of 214.5 for Game 5 and I think the price is right to pull the trigger on the UNDER.  The UNDER is 33-16-2 in Warriors last 51 games off a loss.  The UNDER is 6-2 in Raptors last 8 games on 2 days’ rest.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Warriors/Raptors Game 2 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 213.5 

The Key: I think we see a much lower scoring contest in Game 2 than we saw in Game 1.  The Warriors and Raptors combined for 227 points in Game 1 led by a great shooting game by Toronto, hitting over 50% of their field goal attempts.  I think after both teams had a couple days to prepare for each other having last played on Thursday it will favor the defenses.  The UNDER is 6-0 in Raptors last 6 games playing on 2 days’ rest.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Warriors last 4 Sunday games.  The UNDER is 33-16-2 in Warriors last 51 games off a loss.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Bucks/Raptors Game 4 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 217.5 

The Key: Milwaukee and Toronto were tied 96-96 at the end of regulation in Game 3 for 192 combined points. That’s 25.5 less than tonight’s posted total of 217.5.  I believe we are getting a great price with the under in what should be another low-scoring affair.  The UNDER is 13-5 in Bucks last 18 games off a loss.  The UNDER is 11-5 in Raptors last 16 games overall.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Raptors/Bucks Game 1 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 218 

The Key: This series certainly has the makings of a defensive battle.  Both the Bucks and Raptors rely so much on their superstars on the offensive end that they have to slow it down and run it through both Giannis and Kawhi, especially the Raptors.  I think nerves will be a factor big-time in Game 1 of this series tonight, which will affect the offenses.  Both teams will be laying it all on the line defensively.  The UNDER is 6-1-1 in Raptors last 8 road games.  The UNDER is 5-0 in Raptors last 5 games playing on 2 days rest.  The UNDER is 5-0 in Bucks last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Blazers/Warriors Game 1 *Total* Annihilator on OVER 220.5 

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors have come close to or gone over this total in all four meetings this season.  They have combined for 236, 220, 219 and 222 points in their 4 meetings this season.  And dating back further, they have combined for at least 219 points in 8 of their last 9 meetings.  The Warriors scored 118 points against the Rockets in their first game without Durant and moved the ball nicely, getting back to their old ways.  The OVER is 25-8-2 in Blazers last 35 games on one days’ rest.  The OVER is 19-7 in the last 26 meetings.  Take the OVER. 

6* 76ers/Raptors Game 7 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 209.5 

The Key: After the last two games barely went over the total by 1.5 and 1 point, I think we see a really low scoring game in Game 7 tonight.  With so much at stake with a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals on the line, this game will be played close to the vest.  Both teams will be playing nervously, which will affect their offense more than their defense.  They will be laying it all on the line defensively.  Philadelphia is 21-5 UNDER when playing 4 or less games in 10 days this season.  Toronto is 12-4 UNDER In home games off a loss this season.  The UNDER is 5-0 in 76ers last 5 games off a win.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Raptors last 4 games on 2 days rest.  The UNDER is 9-3 in Raptors last 12 games overall.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Nuggets/Blazers Game 6 *BAILOUT* on OVER 215 

The Key: The OVER is 8-1 in the 9 meetings between the Nuggets and Blazers this season.  They have combined for 222 or more points in 8 of those 9 meetings.  This is the gift that keeps on giving, and we’ll continue to ride it until it bucks us.  Take the OVER. 

7* Nuggets/Blazers Game 4 *Total* Annihilator on OVER 210.5 

The Key: I like the price we are getting with the OVER in this game considering the first three totals in this series were 215 or higher, and Game 4’s total is only 210.5.  Oddsmakers are over adjusting for these teams being tired off a 4 OT game.  Well, that could just as easily affect their defensive effort as their offense.  The OVER is now 6-1 in the 7 meetings between these teams this season with combined scores of 223 or more points in 6 of the 7 meetings.  Take the OVER. 

7* Raptors/76ers Game 3 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 217 

The Key: After combining for 203 points in Game 1, the Raptors and 76ers combined for just 183 points in Game 2.  And now we’re seeing yet another total set that is too high here at 217 points.  The Raptors are 19-3 UNDER when playing 4 or less games in 10 days this season.  Take the UNDER. 

7* 76ers/Raptors Game 2 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 220.5 

The Key: These teams combined for just 203 total points in Game 1 despite 45 points from Kawhi Leonard.  The Raptors’ suffocating defense continued as they held the 76ers to 95 points and 39.3% shooting.  Toronto is holding its opponents to just 92.5 PPG and 38.9% from the field through their first 6 postseason games.  The 76ers are 18-3 UNDER when playing 4 or less games in 10 days this season.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Jazz/Rockets Game 5 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 213 

The Key: The Rockets and Jazz have combined for 212 or fewer points in eight of their last 11 meetings, including three of four meetings in this series.  The longer the series goes on, the more familiar they become with one another, making points harder to come by.  These are two of the best defensive teams in the playoffs and it’s showing in this series.  The UNDER is 6-0-1 in Rockets’ last 7 games off a loss.  The UNDER is 7-2-1 in Rockets last 10 home games.  The UNDER is 20-8-1 in Rockets last 29 games overall.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA Total of the Week on Magic/Raptors UNDER 206 

The Key: The UNDER is 4-0 in the first 4 games in this series.  The Raptors and Magic haven’t once topped 205 combined points, and we have a 206-point total for Game 5 here.  They’ve combined for 205, 193, 191 and 192 points in the first 4 games, respectively.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Pacers/Celtics Game 2 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 207 

The Key: After combining for just 158 points in an 84-74 victory by the Celtics in Game 1, it’s going to take a lot for these teams to make up 49 points, which is what they’ll have to do to reach this 207-point total.  I think there’s value with the UNDER in Game 2 as well.  Indiana is 34-13 UNDER when playing against a team with a winning record in the 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.  The UNDER is 26-8-1 in Pacers last 35 road games against at team that wins more than 60% of its home games.  The UNDER is 21-10 in the last 31 meetings in Boston.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Thunder/Blazers Game 2 *BAILOUT* on OVER 223 

The Key: The Blazers have to go smaller without Jusuf Nurkic.  This has been an OVER series during the regular season.  The Thunder and Blazers combined for 250, 231, 237 and 220 pints in their 4 meetings.  That’s an average of 234.5 PPG.  After a low-scoring affair in Game 1, I look for both offenses to get unleashed tonight.  The Thunder shot just 39.8% overall and 15.2% from 3-point range in Game 1.  The Blazers weren’t much better at 41.9% overall.  I can’t foresee both teams being shut down like that again.  I think it was just playoff nerves in Game 1, and both teams will relax and there will be a lot more offensive flow in Game 2 tonight.  Portland is 12-1 OVER in home games against teams that allow 106 or more PPG in the 2nd half of the season this season.  Take the OVER. 

6* Thunder/Blazers *Total* Annihilator on OVER 225 

The Key: The Blazers have to go small ball now without Jusuf Nurkic.  That will lend itself to more higher-scoring games in this series with the Thunder, who already like small ball and playing at a fast pace.  And this has been an OVER series this season.  The Thunder and Blazers have combined for 250, 231, 237 and 220 points in their last 4 meetings this season, respectively.  That’s an average of 234.5 PPG.  And we have a 225-point total for Game 1, so I like the price we are getting with the OVER.  Portland is 9-0 OVER in its last 9 home games against teams that average 88 or more shots per game.  The Blazers are 12-1 OVER in their last 13 home games against good offensive teams that score 106 or more PPG.  Take the OVER. 

7* NBA Total of the Month on Jazz/Pelicans UNDER 230 

The Key: The Jazz and Pelicans just squared off two nights ago in Utah with the Pelicans pulling the 115-112 upset.  That game saw 227 combined points.  Now we have a total of 230 in the rematch, and I think it’s too high.  The 2nd meeting in these home-and-home situations is almost always lower scoring than the 1st because of the familiarity of the teams.  The same thing happens in the NBA playoffs, and it applies in the regular season as well.  Bets on the UNDER on road teams where the total is 200 or more revenging a loss as a home favorite of 7 points or more against an opponent that’s off an upset win as an underdog are 34-9 over the last 5 seasons.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA Total of the Month on Spurs/Grizzlies UNDER 210 

The Key: The Spurs and Grizzlies are notorious for playing in low-scoring games.  In fact, each of their last 8 meetings have seen 207 or fewer combined points and an average of just 193.5 PPG.  That’s about 17 points less than this 210-point total.  The Grizzlies play at the slowest pace in the entire NBA and will control the tempo at home today, just as they did in their 96-86 home win over the Spurs in their last meeting.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Thunder/Blazers ESPN *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 223.5 

The Key: The Thunder are the top defensive team in the NBA this season.  And the Blazers play at a slow pace compared to most teams and they’ll control the pace playing at home.  This number is too high tonight, especially when you factor in what these teams have done in recent meetings.  They have combined for fewer than 223.5 points in 7 of their last 8 meetings.  The UNDER is 10-1 in Thunder games where the line is between +3 and -3 this season.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Rockets/Warriors TNT *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 225 

The Key: When you look at the recent history in this series it’s easy to see that the books have set this number too high tonight.  The Rockets and Warriors have gone UNDER the total in 20 of their last 28 meetings.  And more recently, they have combined for 211 or fewer points in 6 consecutive meetings.  The Rockets are 28th in pace, no longer the run and gun team they used to be.  They really have to play this style now because they don’t have Chris Paul and Eric Gordon due to injury.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA Total of the Week on Knicks/Bucks UNDER 228 

The Key: This will already be the 4th and final meeting between the Bucks and Knicks this season.  Not to mention, they just played two days ago on Christmas Day with the Bucks winning 109-95 for 204 combined points.  And now this total is 228 just 2 days later?  Give me a break.  The UNDER has tremendous value in this matchup.  Familiarity breeds low-scoring games and favors the defenses over the offenses.  The UNDER is 6-0 in Bucks last 6 games following a win by more than 10 points.  The UNDER is 8-1 in Bucks last 9 vs. Eastern Conference teams.  The UNDER is 9-2 in Bucks last 11 games overall.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA Total of the Month on Knicks/Hornets UNDER 224.5 

The Key: The Hornets and Knicks just played 6 days ago on December 9th.  The Hornets won that game 119-107 for 226 combined points.  I like looking to the UNDER in the 2nd meeting between teams who have just recently played.  And I think it’s safe to take the UNDER here as they just need to combine for 2 fewer points to get the UNDER.  The Knicks have a ton of injuries right now and are without three key players in Trey Burke, Alonzo Trier and Lance Thomas.  Trier and Burke are big losses because they create offense.  The Knicks just don’t have many playmakers left.  Take the UNDER. 

6* Monday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Clippers/Pelicans UNDER 236.5 

The Key: Both the Pelicans and Clippers will be gassed tonight.  Both are playing for a second consecutive night after playing on the road last night.  They will have tired legs, and that will affect their shooting more than anything.  These teams played earlier this season on October 23rd and combined for 225 points.  I think this 236.5-point total is too high given that result and the situation.  The UNDER is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings, and 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in New Orleans.  Take the UNDER. 

6* Wizards/Kings NBA TV *BAILOUT* on OVER 235 

The Key: The Wizards have been forced to go to a small lineup these last two games with Markieff Morris playing center.  That’s because both Dwight Howard and Ian Mahinmi are out with injuries.  And it’s no surprise that they have gone OVER the total in all 4 games this season, and the last 2 were the highest-scoring.  They combined for 249 points with the Blazers two games back and 266 points with the Warriors last time out.  And they should sail OVER this 235-point total with the Kings as well.  The Kings are 4-1 to the OVER this season and trying to play at a faster place to utilize De’Aron Fox’s skill set.  They have combined for 240, 278, 251 and 238 points in their 4 OVERS.  All four of those numbers were higher than this 235-point total.  Get ready for a shootout in Sacramento tonight.  Take the OVER. 

7* Wizards/Warriors NBA *Total* Annihilator on OVER 234 

The Key: The Wizards have to go small ball tonight because Dwight Howard didn’t make the trip West, and Ian Mahinmi left their last game with a back injury.  The Wizards went with Markieff Morris at center in their small ball lineup against the Blazers after Mahinmi’s departure and it worked well.  They eventually won 125-124 in overtime.  The Warriors love going small themselves, so this should be a track meet tonight.  The Warriors beat the Wizards 120-117 in their last meeting at Golden State.  I think both teams top 120 points tonight.  Washington head coach Scott Brooks even said prior to this game if you don’t score 120 it’s tough to win in today’s NBA.  And all his players complimented the small ball approach.  Take the OVER. 

6* 76ers/Celtics *Total* Annihilator on OVER 210 

The Key: The 76ers were one of the best offensive teams in the Eastern Conference last season in averaging 110 PPG.  They are loaded again and don’t put nearly as much emphasis on the defensive end. The Celtics had to play more defense last year because they were without their best 2 scores for much of the season in Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, especially in the playoffs.  But with Irving and Hayward back this should be one of the best offensive teams in the East.  And Irving doesn’t play much defense.  The OVER is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in Boston.  The OVER is 6-1 in 76ers last 7 road games.  Take the OVER. 

7* Warriors/Cavs Game 4 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 216 

The Key: As a series goes on, games tend to be lower and lower scoring.  That has been the case in this series as well as each game has been lower scoring than the next.  The Cavs and Warriors combined for 212 points in Game 3 and now we’re seeing a total of 216, so I think there’s value with the UNDER.  Both teams know what each other is trying to do, which makes scoring at a premium.  The UNDER is 10-3 in Warriors last 13 games overall.  The UNDER is 7-1 in Warriors last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The UNDER is 11-5 in Cavaliers last 16 home games.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Warriors/Rockets Game 5 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 219.5 

The Key: I’m surprised the books keep setting the number too high in this series.  The UNDER is 3-1 and we’ve seen lower scoring games as the series has gone on.  Houston beat Golden State 95-92 for only 187 combined points in Game 4.  Now this total is 219.5 for Game 5, which is 32.5 points more than their Game 4 result.  They will likely score more points than in Game 4, but they won’t reach 220 or more.  These teams are very familiar with each other now and defense is winning out.  It has become an isolation series as neither team is able to move the ball on offense.  That results in longer possessions and contested shots at the end of the shot clock frequently.  Houston is 13-2 UNDER when the line is +3 to -3 this season.  The UNDER is 6-1 in Warriors last 7 games overall.  The UNDER is 38-18 in Rockets last 56 games overall.  The UNDER is 5-0 in Rockets last 5 Thursday games.  The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Cavs/Celtics Game 5 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 206.5 

The Key: Boston will control the tempo playing at home tonight just as they did in Games 2 and 3.  The Celtics and Cavs combined for just 191 points in Game 1 and 201 points in Game 2.  Now we’re seeing a total of 206.5 in Game 5, which I believe to be too high here.  The UNDER is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.  The UNDER is 14-6 in Cavs last 20 games following an ATS win.  The UNDER is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings in Boston.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Rockets/Warriors Game 3 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 226 

The Key: Points will be harder to come by as this series goes along and the Rockets and Warriors learn offensive tendencies.  These teams are both better defensively than they get credit for.  Houston is 9-1 UNDER off a combined score of 215 points ormolu in two straight games this season.  The Rockets are 7-0 UNDER in road games off three consecutive home games this season.  The UNDER is 11-1 in Rockets last 12 vs. NBA Pacific division.  The UNDER is 21-10 in Rockets last 31 overall.  The UNDER is 4-1 in Warriors last five games overall.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Pelicans/Warriors Game 5 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 228.5 

The Key: The Pelicans and Warriors have combined for 224, 237, 219 and 210 points in games 1-4, respectively.  They have been lower scoring games than oddsmakers have anticipated, and I think there’s a good chance Game 5 stays well UNDER 228.5 points as well.  Bets on the UNDER on road teams where the total is 200 or more, an extremely well rested team playing 5 or less games in 14 days, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a winning team are 67-34 since 1996.  Take the UNDER. 

7* 76ers/Celtics Game 1 *Total* Annihilator on OVER 205 

The Key: The 76ers have become an offensive juggernaut.  They have scored 103 or more points in 21 consecutive games now.  They will look to blitz the Celtics in Game 1 of this series to try and take the upper-hand.  They haven’t played in 6 days and will be looking to push the tempo every possession possible.  The Celtics have still managed to be efficient offensively despite their injuries.  They have scored 101 or more points in eight of their last 11 games overall.  The OVER is 11-2 in Boston’s last 13 playoff home games.  The OVER is 7-1 in Celtics last 8 home games overall.  The OVER is 5-1 in 76ers last 6 games when playing on 3 or more days rest.  Take the OVER. 

7* Jazz/Rockets Game 1 *Total* Annihilator on OVER 206 

The Key: The OVER is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings between the Jazz and Rockets.  They have averaged 216.7 combined points per game in those 7 meetings.  They have combined for at least 213 points in 6 of those 7 meetings.  I think the price is right to back the OVER in Game 1 of this series based on those recent head-to-head results.  Take the OVER. 

7* NBA 1st Round Total of the Year on Raptors/Wizards UNDER 218.5 

The Key: The price is right to back the UNDER in this game between the Raptors and Wizards.  The over is 3-0 through the first 3 games, which has forced oddsmakers to set a total higher than it should be for Game 4 knowing that the public will be betting the over again.  The total was only 213.5 exactly for the first two games in this series, and now it’s 218.5 for Game 4, a 5-point adjustment.  As a series goes on teams get more familiar with one another and that favors defense.  Both teams have shot lights out thus far, but the points won’t be as easy to come by in Game 4.  Washington is 10-2 UNDER after scoring 105 points or more in 3 straight games this season.  Bets on the UNDER on road teams where the total is 210 to 219.5 a good team that outscores their opponents by 3 or more points per game, after 4 straight games where both teams scored 100 points or more are 40-13 since 1996.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Celtics/Bucks Game 3 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 205.5 

The Key: The Bucks shot 59.7% while the Celtics shot 53.3% in Game 2.  That’s not going to happen again.  It was a high scoring game and it made the oddsmakers go from setting totals of 199 in Games 1 and 2 to 205.5 in Game 3.  That’s a 6.5-point adjustment and the reason that the price is right now to back the UNDER in Game 3.  The UNDER is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings in Milwaukee.  Boston is 11-2 UNDER in Friday road games over the last 2 seasons.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Heat/76ers NBA *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 216 

The Key: Both teams really shot lights out from the 3-point line in Game 1, which led to a shootout and 233 combined points.  But that is unlikely to happen again.  The 76ers made 18 3-pointers and shot 64.3% from beyond the arc, while the Heat made 12 and shot 46.2%.  It was a rare high scoring game in this series.  The previous 4 meetings between the Heat and 76ers saw 207 or fewer combined points.  Miami is 23-12 to the UNDER in road games when revenging a loss over the last 2 seasons.  Philadelphia is 32-12 UNDER in its last 44 home games off 2 consecutive covers as a favorite.  Take the UNDER.

7* Spurs/Clippers TNT *BAILOUT* on UNDER 207.5 

The Key: With both the Spurs and Clippers having so much to play for tonight, the defensive intensity will be high.  The Spurs are trying to hold off several teams for the 4th seed in the West and a home court in the first round.  The Clippers are 2 games out of the 8th spot and just fighting to get into the playoffs.  The UNDER is 27-10 in Spurs games when the total is 200 to 209.5 this season.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Clippers last 6 games overall.  The UNDER is 10-4 in Spurs last 14 games overall.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Loyola/Michigan Final Four *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 130 

The Key: Loyola and Michigan are two of the best defensive teams in the entire country.  It’s how they got this far, and it’s the reason I like the UNDER 130 points in their Final Four matchup.  Loyola allows just 62.4 PPG and 41.4% shooting.  Michigan allows just 63.1 PPG and 42.4% shooting.  Points will be hard to come by in this matchup, especially with how well both teams defend the 3-pointer.  Loyola is 8-1 UNDER when playing just its 2nd game in 8 days this season.  Loyola is 10-1 UNDER vs. teams who attempt 21 or more 3-point shots per game after 15+ games this season.  Take the UNDER.

7* Bucks/Lakers NBA *BAILOUT* on UNDER 220.5 

The Key: The Los Angeles Lakers will be without their top two point guards for this game against Milwaukee.  Both Isaiah Thomas and Lonzo Ball are out.  That leaves the underwhelming Alex Caruso to run the point.  They won’t be looking to push the tempo, and neither will the Bucks, who will still be tired in this back-to-back situation after winning in Golden State last night.  The UNDER is 7-1 in Bucks last 8 games when playing on 0 days’ rest.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Lakers last 6 home games.  The UNDER is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Los Angeles.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Bucks/Warriors TNT *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 215.5 

The Key: The injuries to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have forced the Warriors to play a different brand of basketball, one that relies more on defense.  The Warriors have been held to 93 or fewer points in 4 of their last 6 games overall.  But their defense has been solid as they have held 3 of their last 4 opponents to 94 points or fewer.  The Bucks and Warriors played back in January with the Warriors winning 108-94 for just 202 combined points with a total set of 221.5.  And that was back when the Warriors were healthy. This game will be more of a defensive battle than the oddsmakers are anticipating.  The Warriors are 22-5 UNDER In March games over the last 2 seasons.  The UNDER is 10-1 in Bucks last 11 Thursday games.  The UNDER is 7-1 in Warriors last 8 home games.  Take the UNDER. 

6* Saturday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Nuggets/Grizzlies UNDER 215 

The Key: The UNDER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings between the Grizzlies and Nuggets.  They have combined for 210, 165, 196 and 203 points in their last 4 meetings.  That’s an average of just 193.5 points per game.  As you can see, we are getting a ton of value on the UNDER 215 tonight.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Heat/Blazers ESPN *Total* Annihilator on OVER 209 

The Key: The Heat will be playing without Hassan Whiteside tonight.  He is their best defender and one of the top defenders in the league.  They’ll now have to go to a smaller lineup to deal with the Blazers tonight.  I think that will lead to a shootout similar to the last time the Heat played in a 129-102 victory over the Wizards.  The Heat have scored 102-plus points in 11 consecutive games.  The Blazers have scored 106 or or points in 7 consecutive games.  The OVER is 5-0 in Heat last 5 road games.  Take the OVER. 

6* Thursday NBA *Total* Annihilator on 76ers/Heat UNDER 209.5 

The Key: This will be the 4th and final meeting of the season between Philadelphia and Miami.  These teams are obviously familiar with one another, which favors defense.  And they have a knack for playing in low scoring games in their first 3 meetings, which have seen 203, 206 and 200 combined points.  Now we’re getting a total of 209.5 tonight and I think the price is right to bet the UNDER.  The UNDER is 10-3 in 76ers last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The UNDER is 20-8 in Heat last 28 Thursday games.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA Total of the Month on Heat/Pelicans UNDER 216 

The Key: The Miami Heat are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.  They should be able to contain the New Orleans Pelicans, who won’t be nearly as efficient the rest of the way offensively without DeMarcus Cousins.  The Pelicans and Heat have combined for 212 or fewer points in 65 of their last 66 meetings dating back to 1998.  That’s a 65-1 angle backing the under when factoring in this 216-point total.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Cavs/Celtics ABC *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 213.5 

The Key: The Boston Celtics are the best defensive team in the NBA.  They should shut down what will be a Cleveland team that is lost out on the floor today.  The Cavs are going to implement their new players from the trade deadline.  I think they will slow down the offense to try and get everyone touches.  This game will be played at a snail’s pace.  It will also be played with a high intensity defensively as these teams do not like each other.  The UNDER is 2-0 in their two meetings this season with Cleveland winning 102-99 for 201 combined points and Boston winning 102-88 for 190 combined points.  Cleveland is 21-8 UNDER as a dog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 3 seasons.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 home games.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 Sunday games.  The UNDER is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Boston.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA Total of the Week on Pacers/Hornets UNDER 211 

The Key: The Pacers and Hornets just played a few days ago on January 29th.  The Pacers won 105-96 at home for 201 combined points, and the Pacers shot 54.2% in the win.  There’s little chance they top this 211-point total in the rematch, especially considering the Pacers aren’t going to shoot any better than they did.  That game was played as a slow pace as both teams attempted 83 shots in the game.  I think we see more of the same here.  The UNDER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings with combined scores of 201, 175, 188 and 204 points.  Take the UNDER. 

6* Monday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Celtics/Nuggets OVER 205 

The Key: The Boston Celtics have been playing without their best defender in March Smart the last few games.  It’s no wonder they have struggled defensively, which is a big reason they are just 1-5 in their last 6 games overall.  The Celtics have allowed 102-plus points in 6 of their last 7 games overall after being the best defensive team in the NBA up to that point.  They are still being treated like the best defensive team with a total of only 205 points here against the Denver Nuggets.  I expect this to be a shootout against a Nuggets team that is averaging 109.0 points per game at home this year.  These teams played in a shootout in their first meeting, a 124-118 win by Boston at home on December 13th that saw 242 combined points.  We don’t need anywhere near 242 to get the OVER tonight.  The OVER is 8-1 in Celtics last 9 Monday games.  The OVER is 14-3-1 in Nuggets last 18 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of greater than 60%.  Take the OVER. 

7* T’Wolves/Warriors TNT *BAILOUT* on UNDER 228 

The Key: The Timberwolves and Warriors have combined for 228 or fewer points in 7 straight meetings when you don’t include overtime.  They have combined for 228 or less at the end of regulation in 11 of the last 12 meetings as well.  This total has been set too high tonight.  Golden State is 32-15 UNDER in its last 47 home games after a game where it made 55% or better.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Timberwolves last 4 games when playing on 0 days rest.  The UNDER is 4-1 in Warriors last 5 Thursday games.  The UNDER is 21-7 in the last 28 meetings.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA Total of the Month on Blazers/Rockets OVER 214.5 

The Key: The OVER is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings between Houston and Portland.  They have combined for 219 or more points in all 6 meetings.  They have averaged 231.2 combined points per game in those 6 meetings.  It’s easy to see why the price is right to pull the trigger on the OVER tonight.  Take the OVER. 

6* Monday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Cavs/Timberwolves OVER 222 

The Key: We have two of the best offensive teams in the NBA and two of the worst defensive teams going at it tonight.  The result will be a shootout.  The Cavs rank 3rd in offensive efficiency with the Timberwolves 5th in the same category.  The Cavs are 27th in defensive efficiency while the Timberwolves are 20th.  In the two recent games Isaiah Thomas has played in the Cavs have combined with their opponents for 237 and 258 points against the Blazers and Magic, respectively.  The OVER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in this series as the Cavs and Timberwolves have combined for 221 or more points in all 4 meetings.  Take the OVER. 

6* Saturday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Thunder/Jazz UNDER 198 

The Key: The Thunder just beat the Jazz 107-79 on Wednesday for 186 combined points.  Now they get to play just a few days later and it will be another low-scoring affair, which has been the case in this series over the past couple seasons.  The UNDER is 7-0 in the last 7 meetings in Utah.  They have combined for 200 or fewer points in all 7 meetings, including 198 or fewer in 6 of them.  Enough said.  Take the UNDER. 

6* Lakers/Warriors ESPN *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 216 

The Key: This will be the 3rd meeting already between the Lakers and Warriors.  They are very familiar with one another, which should lead to an UNDER.  They just played on Monday as well.  That game was tied 102-102 at the end of regulation for 204 combined points.  I think the fact that it went to OT and went over the total has the total in this rematch set too high.  The UNDER is 16-6 in Warriors last 22 games vs. a team with a wining percentage below 40%.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Warriors last 6 games overall.  Take the UNDER.

6* Monday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Blazers/Timberwolves OVER 206 

The Key: The Timberwolves and their opponents are combining for an average of 214 points per game this season.  We have a total of just 206 here tonight and I think the price is right to pull the trigger on the OVER.  Portland is 11-2 OVER in its last 13 road games after a combined score of 185 or less.  Minnesota is 12-2 OVER off an upset loss as a home favorite over the last 2 seasons.  The OVER is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Minnesota.  Take the OVER. 

6* Sunday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Pistons/Magic UNDER 203.5

The Key: The Magic are a mess right now injury-wise playing without Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon and Terrance Ross.  Both Arron Afflalo and Jonathan Isaac are questionable too.  They have had to slow down their offense and try to run it through Vucevic just to get anything going.  But they have struggled to score of late because of these injuries.  The Magic have scored 95 or fewer points in 3 of their last 4 games overall.  The Pistons play great defense and have given up 98 or less in 3 of their last 4.  The UNDER is 8-0-1 in Pistons last 9 games overall.  The UNDER is 5-2 in Magic last 7 games overall.  Take the UNDER.

7* Rockets/Blazers Western Conference *BAILOUT* on OVER 216 

The Key: Expect offensive fireworks tonight between Houston and Portland, especially with Jusuf Nurkic out for Portland.  He is their best defender and has made them a respectable defensive team.  But without him, the Blazers will go smaller and with more outside shooting and worse defense as you’ll see more of Myers Leonard.  The Rockets and their opponents have combined for 213 or more points in six straight games.  They have scored at least 112 points in all six and are averaging 114.0 points per game on the season.  The OVER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in this series.  The Rockets and Blazers have combined for at least 219 points in 5 straight meetings.  That will get the job done tonight with this low 216-point total.  Take the OVER. 

6* Warriors/Hornets ESPN *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 216 

The Key: Without Steph Curry, the Warriors are going to struggle offensively.  They also could be without Draymond Green, who helps make this offense run on all cylinders.  Look for a lower scoring game than the oddsmakers anticipate as Shawn Livingston at the point is a huge downgrade from Curry.  Bets on the UNDER on all teams where the total is 210 or higher off a win by 10 points or more against an opponent off 3 straight wins by 10-plus points are 36-8 since 1996.  Take the UNDER. 

6* Thursday NBA *Total* Annihilator on 76ers/Celtics UNDER 212 

The Key: The Boston Celtics are the best team in the NBA defensively, ranking No. 1 in defensive efficiency this season.  This is a very high total for them and I think there’s value with the under.  The 76ers are a tired team as they just played a game against the Wizards last night and won’t be looking to push the pace.  They will also be without their best player in Joel Embiid due to rest.  Points won’t be as easy to come by for the 76ers without Embiid.  The UNDER is 9-2 in 76ers last 11 games when their starting 5 players combined for more than 160 minutes played the previous day.  Take the UNDER. 

6* Tuesday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Heat/Cavs UNDER 208

The Key: The Miami Heat are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA with a healthy Hassan Whiteside, and he is healthy right now.  The Cavs played last night in Philly and only gave up 91 points.  They should be tired tonight and not looking to run as much.  The Heat will slow down the tempo to a snail's pace to try and give them the best chance to win tonight and limit possessions.  The Heat have allowed 98 or fewer points in 4 of their last 5 games coming in.  The Cavs have allowed 99 or fewer in 3 of their last 4 as their defense is steadily improving.  The Heat are 9-1 UNDER in road games when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%) over the last 2 seasons.  Take the UNDER.

6* Saturday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Magic/76ers UNDER 221

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers are going to be without their point guard and floor general in Ben Simmons tonight.  I think they slow down the offense and run it through Joel Embiid.  I think this game is played at a very slow pace, which will help it stay UNDER this massive 221-point total.  The Magic are a tired team playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a loss in Boston last night, which also favors the UNDER.  Take the UNDER.

6* Nets/Blazers NBA *BAILOUT* on OVER 221

The Key: The Brooklyn Nets play at a faster pace than anyone in the NBA this season.  That should lead to a shootout tonight in Portland against one of the best backcourts in the NBA in Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.  The OVER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.  In their two meetings last year, the Nets and Blazers combined for 246 and 238 points.  The books have set the number too low tonight.  Take the OVER.

6* Tuesday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Pacers/Timberwolves UNDER 219.5

The Key: The Minnesota Timberwolves will play defense this season with the additions of Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson, who were defensive stalwarts in Tom Thibodeau's time in Chicago.  They will demand defense from the likes of Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony-Towns.  Indiana will be missing its best player in Myles Turner, who opens up their offense with his ability to stretch the floor.  They will also be without floor stretcher Glenn Robinson III tonight.  I just don't see how the Pacers contribute enough points in this game to push this game over this 219.5-point total.  Indiana is 12-3 UNDER after allowing 105 points or more in 3 straight games coming in.  Take the UNDER.

6* Monday NBA *Total* Annihilator on 76ers/Pistons UNDER 214.5

The Key: The last 6 meetings between the 76ers and Pistons in Detroit have all seen 209 or fewer combined points.  They have averaged 199 combined points in those 6 meetings.  The Pistons are 13-3 to the UNDER in their last 16 home games.  Take the UNDER.

6* Saturday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Magic/Cavs UNDER 215.5

The Key: Both the Cavs and Magic will be missing their starting point guards in this game.  Elfrid Payton is doubtful for Orlando, while Derrick Rose is doubtful for Cleveland.  Without their point guards, I expect both offenses to struggle more than normal here.  So we'll take a shot with the UNDER 215.5.  Both teams will be fatigued after playing last night as well, so the pace of this game should be slow.  Take the UNDER.

6* Cavs/Bucks ESPN *Total* Annihilator on OVER 208.5

The Key: This has clearly been an OVER series between the Cavs and Bucks.  The OVER is 20-7 in the last 27 meetings, including 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.  And the OVER is 12-2 in the last 14 meetings in Milwaukee.  This total has been set too low tonight.  Take the OVER.

7* NBA Finals Total of the Year on Warriors/Cavs UNDER 229

The Key: This total of 229 is the highest of the four games thus far in the NBA Finals, so that fact alone shows that there's value with the UNDER.  And the 10 meetings between the Cavs and Warriors prior to Game 2 all saw 217 or fewer combined points.  Cleveland is 18-3 UNDER as a dog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last two seasons.  The UNDER is 39-17 in Warriors last 56 games playing on 1 days rest.  Take the UNDER.

7* Cavs/Celtics Game 5 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 217

The Key: The Cavs shot 56.5% in Game 2 and it went UNDER.  The Cavs shot 59.5% in Game 4 and it went UNDER.  The Cavs can't shoot the ball any better, and yet the UNDER has cashed two of the last three games.  And I think Game 5 will be the lowest scoring yet after a previous low of 211 in Game 4.  The Celtics are worse offensively but better defensively without Isaiah Thomas.  Boston is 8-0 UNDER as a home dog of 6.5 to 12 points over the last three seasons.  The UNDER is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings in Boston.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Celtics/Cavs Game 4 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 218

The Key: The Cavs and Celtics could not have shot any better in Game 3 and they STILL only combined for 219 points.  The Celtics went a ridiculous 18-of-40 (45%) from 3-point range, while the Cavs went 16-of-39 (41%) from distance.  The chances of that happening again are highly unlikely, thus we'll take the UNDER in Game 4.  The UNDER is 14-5-2 in Celtics last 21 road games.  Take the UNDER.

7* NBA 3rd Round Total of the Year on Celtics/Cavs UNDER 217

The Key: The Celtics will now be without leading scorer Isaiah Thomas for the rest of the playoffs.  It will certainly hurt their offense moving forward, especially here in Game 3 as they are not used to playing without him.  He creates so much for them offensively.  Where they won't miss him is on the other end, where Thomas is one of the worst defensive point guards in the NBA.  I really love this UNDER in Game 3 as it's one of my strongest plays of the postseason.  They combined for 216 points in Game 2 and will certainly combine for less than that now that the Celtics are worse off on offense and better off on defense.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 road games.  The UNDER is 81-38-3 in Cavs last 122 Sunday games.  The UNDER is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings.  Take the UNDER.

7* Celtics/Wizards Game 6 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 217

The Key: The Over has gone 4-1 in this series thus far.  But I think Game 6 is primed to be the lowest scoring game yet as these teams clearly know one another very well now.  And with the pressure of an elimination game, I don't expect the Wizards to shoot lights out, but their defensive effort will be there for four quarters.  This one will be played at a much slower pace give the high stakes.  Boston is 7-0 UNDER in Friday night road games this season.  Boston is 13-2 UNDER in road games versus teams who allow 46% shooting or worse this season.  Take the UNDER.

7* Warriors/Jazz Game 4 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 207

The Key: We cashed in the UNDER in Game 3 with a 102-91 final and a total of 207.5.  The oddsmakers have failed to adjust enough for Game 4 with another 207-point total.  The UNDER is 7-1-1 in the last 9 meetings between the Jazz and Warriors.  They have combined for 205 or fewer points in 7 of those 9 meetings.  The UNDER is 25-8-2 in the last 35 meetings, including 11-4-1 in the last 16 meetings in Utah dating back further.  The UNDER is 20-5-1 in Warriors last 26 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.  The UNDER is 26-10 in Warriors last 36 road games.  The UNDER is 7-1-1 in Jazz last 9 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.  The UNDER is 10-2 in Jazz last 12 games following a double-digit loss at home.  Take the UNDER.

7* Celtics/Wizards Game 4 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 216

The Key: The Celtics and Wizards are getting more familiar with one another as this series goes on.  After two shootouts in Boston, these teams combined for just 205 points in Game 3 in Washington.  I think we see a similar result here with what's at stake, and especially now that the Wizards are without one of their biggest offensive weapons in Kelly Oubre in Game 4 due to suspension.  The UNDER is 13-3-2 in Celtics last 18 road games, including 5-0-1 in Celtics last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.  The UNDER is 4-1 in Wizards last 5 home games.  Take the UNDER.

7* NBA 2nd Round Total of the Year on Warriors/Jazz UNDER 208

The Key: The UNDER is 6-1-1 in the last eight meetings in this series.  The Warriors and Jazz have combined for 209 or fewer points in seven of those eight meetings, and 205 or fewer in six of them.  The Jazz play at the slowest tempo in the NBA, and they'll control the pace playing at home in Game 3.  The UNDER is 25-10 in Warriors last 35 road games.  The UNDER is 24-8-2 in the last 34 meetings, and 10-4-1 in the last 15 meetings in Utah.  Take the UNDER.

7* Jazz/Clippers *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 191

The Key: The UNDER is 2-0 in the last two games of this series with combined scores of 188 and 191 points.  This comes as no surprise because as these teams get more familiar with one another, the harder it is to score points.  I think we'll see the lowest-scoring game of the series here in Game 7 Sunday with what is at stake.  The UNDER is 5-0 in Jazz last 5 road games.  The UNDER is 4-1 in Clippers last 5 home games.  The UNDER is 17-5-1 in Clippers last 23 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  The UNDER is 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Los Angeles.  Take the UNDER.

7* Wizards/Hawks *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 213

The Key: The last 3 games in this series have finished right around this 213-point total.  They went for 210 points in Game 2, 214 in Game 3 and 212 in Game 4.  I expect the lowest-scoring game of the series tonight.  The more familiar teams become with one another, the harder it is to score.  The advantage goes to the defenses when they know what the opposing offenses are trying to do.  Atlanta is 9-0 UNDER in road games after 2 consecutive covers as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.  The UNDER is 8-0 in Hawks last 8 Wednesday games.  The UNDER is 11-4-1 in Hawks last 16 road games.  The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Washington.  Take the UNDER.

7* NBA 1st Round Total of the Year on Cavs/Pacers OVER 210.5

The Key: The oddsmakers have failed to adjust this total high enough in Game 3 tonight despite the fact that the first two games in this series have gone well OVER the total.  In fact, the Cavs and Pacers have combined for at least 217 points in each of their last 5 meetings now dating back to the regular season.  Both teams play 'optional' defense this year and prefer to go small offensively, which is a recipe for overs.  The OVER is 20-5-1 in Cavaliers last 26 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.  The OVER is 30-12-1 in Cavaliers last 43 vs. Eastern Conference.  Cleveland is 32-12 OVER when the total is 210 to 219.5 this season.  Take the OVER.

7* Bulls/Celtics TNT *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 206.5

The Key: The Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics have been playing in some defensive battles of late.  They have combined for 208 or less points in each of their last 5 meetings.  Game 1 saw 208 combined points, but they went off in the final two minutes with fouls as the Celtics were mounting their comeback.  That isn't likely to happen again.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Bulls last 6 games overall.  The UNDER is 22-7 in Bulls last 29 games when playing on 1 days rest.  The UNDER is 8-0 in Celtics last 8 home games against a team with a winning record.  The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.  Take the UNDER.

7* Blazers/Warriors NBA *Total* Annihilator on OVER 219.5

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers are forced to go small ball with the injury to Jusuf Nurkic.  The Golden State Warriors prefer to play small ball and do for the majority of their games.  This Game 1 has the makings of an absolute shootout.  And the Blazers and Warriors are certainly used to shootouts.  In fact, each of the last 7 meetings in this series have seen at least 225 combined points.  That makes for a 7-0 angle backing the OVER when comparing it to the 219.5-point total in Game 1.  The OVER is 18-6 in the last 24 meetings.  Take the OVER.

7* UNC/Gonzaga *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 155

The Key: While most believe that guard play is the key to making a run in the NCAA Tournament, both UNC and Gonzaga have shown that good old-fashioned big men can get the job done, too.  And these two teams have tremendous big men who have dominated on the boards to help their teams reach this level.  I think there will be fewer second-chance opportunities than normal for both of these teams, and thus scoring will be very hard to come by.  Gonzaga ranks 1st in the country in defensive efficiency.  UNC hasn't been the same offensively since PG Joel Berry suffered an ankle injury, and he struggled in the Final Four.  UNC is 6-0 UNDER vs. teams who allow 64 or fewer points per game this season.  Gonzaga is 10-1 UNDER vs. dominant rebounding teams who outrebound opponents by 7 or more boards per game over the last 2 seasons.  Take the UNDER.

7* Wizards/Warriors NBA *BAILOUT* on UNDER 222.5

The Key: The Golden State Warriors have been an UNDER machine since losing Kevin Durant.  They are 17-2 to the UNDER in their last 19 games overall.  The oddsmakers continue to set their totals too high, which is the case again here tonight against the Wizards with a 222.5-point total.  The UNDER is 10-1 in Warriors last 11 home games.  The UNDER is 71-34-1 in Warriors last 106 Sunday games, including 8-1 on Sunday's this season.  The UNDER is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Golden State.  Take the UNDER.

7* South Carolina/Gonzaga *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 138

The Key: Amazingly, we are getting the No. 1 (Gonzaga) and No. 2 (South Carolina) teams in defensive efficiency in the entire country matched up today in the Final Four.  Both teams really get after it on that end and don't give up easy buckets.  That's why it is easy to see why I'm on the UNDER in this matchup.  South Carolina is 19-6 UNDER in its last 25 neutral court games with a total of 130 to 139.5.  The UNDER is 25-8-1 in Gamecocks last 34 games as an underdog of 0.5-6.5.  The UNDER is Under is 5-1 in Bulldogs last 6 games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5.  The UNDER is 20-8 in Bulldogs last 28 non-conference games.  Take the UNDER.

7* Rockets/Warriors ESPN *BAILOUT* on UNDER 231

The Key: The UNDER is 16-2 in Warriors last 18 games overall.  It would be 17-1 against the opening lines as the Spurs/Warriors game was bet down to 207.5 and finished 208 from an opener of 209.5.  The Warriors just aren't the same offensive juggernaut without Kevin Durant, but they key has been an emphasis on defense as they've held 7 of their last 8 opponents to 100 points or fewer.  These Rockets and Warriors just played on Tuesday with Golden State winning 113-106 for 219 combined points.  I think we see a similar result here as this game stays well UNDER 231 combined points.  The UNDER is 7-1-1 in Rockets last 98 road games.  The UNDER is 7-0 in Warriors last 7 home games.  Take the UNDER.

7* NCAA Tournament Total of the Year on Kentucky/UNC UNDER 161

The Key: This 161-point total is one of the highest of the big dance thus far.  These teams played a 203-point shootout back in December which is a big reason for it.  But the stakes are much higher now with a trip to the Final Four on the line.  I think both teams will play tight, and this will be much more of a half-court game than oddsmakers are anticipating.  The Wildcats have been awesome defensively during their 14-game winning streak.  They UNDER is 9-1 in their last 10 games overall.  The UNDER is 7-0 in Wildcats last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Take the UNDER.

6* Sunday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Suns/Pistons UNDER 212

The Key: The Phoenix Suns are completely depleted right now.  They are without two of their best guards in Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight.  Both Tyson Chandler and Dragan Bender are out for the season as well, while Devin Booker and Leandro Barbosa are battling injuries themselves.  It's no surprise that the UNDER is 5-0 in Suns' last five games coming in.  The UNDER is 4-1 in Pistons' last five games as well.  They have been held to just 84.7 points per game in their last three games.  The UNDER is 5-0 in Pistons last five home games.  Take the UNDER.

7* NBA Total of the Month on Clippers/Jazz UNDER 201.5

The Key: You don't have to dig too deep to find that this total has been inflated.  Just look at the first two meetings of the season between the Jazz and Clippers.  The Clippers won both meetings, 88-75 at home for 163 combined points, and 88-72 on the road for 160 combined points.  Now the total has been set at 201.5 for the 3rd meeting here tonight.  The Jazz only allow 93.9 points per game at home this season and play at the slowest pace in the NBA.  They will control the tempo at home tonight.  The Clippers are 8-1 UNDER when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%) this season.  The UNDER is 16-5 in Jazz last 21 games following a loss.  Take the UNDER.

7* NBA Western Conference Total of the Year on Rockets/Spurs UNDER 222

The Key: Oddsmakers have really inflated this total tonight between the Rockets and Spurs when you consider how the first 3 meetings this season went down.  The UNDER is 3-0 in the first 3 meetings with combined scores of 200, 206 and 202 points.  The highest total set for any of those games was 213.5, and now the total has been set all the way up at 222 for the 4th and final meeting.  There is a ton of value with the UNDER to say the least in this game, especially with the way the Spurs play and will control the tempo at home.  The Spurs and their last 3 opponents have combined for 199, 199 and 187 points.  And the last 2 games both went into overtime against the Pelicans and Timberwolves, so they were even more low-scoring than those scores indicate.  The UNDER is 7-2 in Spurs last 9 games overall.  Bets on the UNDER on all teams where the total is greater than or equal to 200 (HOUSTON) - in a game involving 2 very good teams - outscoring opponents by 7+ PPG in the 2nd half of the season are 32-6 over the last 5 seasons.  Take the UNDER.

7* Thunder/Clippers TNT *BAILOUT* on UNDER 215.5

The Key: This is an inflated total tonight between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers.  These are two of the better defensive teams in the NBA.  The Clippers rank 6th in the league in defensive efficiency, while the Thunder are 8th in the same category.  These teams have already played 3 times this season and this will be their 4th and final meeting, so they are obviously familiar with one another.  They have averaged just 196 combined points in those 3 meetings.  OKC is 11-0 UNDER offf 3 straight games with 55 or more rebounds this season.  The UNDER is 6-0 in Clippers last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  The UNDER is 6-1 in Clippers last 7 home games.  The UNDER is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Los Angeles.  Take the UNDER.

6* Saturday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Lakers/Clippers UNDER 216.5

The Key: It's clear that when you look at the series history between the Lakers and Clippers that this total has been set too high Saturday.  The UNDER is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings and they haven't combined for more than 213 points in any of those 8 contests.  They have averaged just 192.1 combined points per game in their last 8 meetings.  Enough said.  Take the UNDER.

6* Monday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Bucks/Raptors UNDER 212

The Key: Just looking at the head-to-head history between the Bucks and Raptors shows that the books have inflated this 212-point total.  Each of the last 13 meetings between Toronto and Milwaukee have seen 210 or fewer combined points.  That equates to a 13-0 angle backing the UNDER in this game.  You have to go all the way back to 2013 to find the last time they combined for more than 212 points.  Take the UNDER.

6* Sunday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Celtics/Thunder UNDER 207

The Key: The Celtics are without Isaiah Thomas right now and it really makes them a much less efficient offensive team.  That was evident last time out as they scored just 94 points on 37.3% shooting against the Raptors.  It does make the Celtics a better defensive team without him in there because elite PG defender Marcus Smart has to play more minutes.  The Celtics only allowed 87 points and 37% shooting to the Magic and 101 points and 41.5% shooting to the Raptors in their last two games without Thomas.  Smart should make things difficult for Russell Westbrook, just at Patrick Beverly did on Friday when the Rockets beat the Thunder 102-99.  The UNDER is 22-7 in Celtics last 29 games playing on 1 days rest.  The UNDER is 12-5 in Celtics last 17 overall.  The UNDER is 6-1 in Celtics last 7 vs. Western Conference.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Thunder last 6 overall.  Take the UNDER.

7* Clippers/Cavs TNT *HEAVY HITTER* on UNDER 215.5

The Key: This is a battle between two of the best teams in the NBA.  Both squads will be laying it all on the line defensively tonight to get a win.  The Clippers are coming off 3 straight losses, while the Cavs are coming off an upset loss to the Bucks where both teams didn't play well defensively.  That will be the focus heading into tonight's game.  The Clippers rank 2nd in the NBA in defensive efficiency this season.  Clippers games have averaged roughly 207 combined points per game while Cavs games have averaged roughly 214.  I think there's some value with the UNDER tonight.  Bets on the UNDER in a game involving 2 very good teams who outscore their opponents by 7-plus points per game after a combined score of 205 points or more are 43-13 over the last 5 seasons.  Take the UNDER.

6* Wednesday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Spurs/Mavs UNDER 189.5

The Key: We have two of the slowest teams in the NBA matching up tonight in the Spurs and Mavs.  The Mavs rank 29th in the NBA in pace this season while the Spurs are 27th.  The Mavs haven't done much with those few possessions as they also rank 28th in offensive efficiency.  The Spurs have beaten the Mavs 96-91 in consecutive meetings for 187 combined points in each.  The most recent was on November 21st just over a week ago, so these teams are familiar with one another.  And I can't see them getting to 190 combined points here, which is what it would take to top this 189.5-point total.  The UNDER is 9-2 in Spurs last 11 vs. NBA Northwester Division opponents.  The UNDER is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Mavericks last 6 home games.  Take the UNDER.

6* T'Wolves/Kings Saturday NBA *BAILOUT* on Timberwolves/Kings UNDER 206

The Key: Tom Thibodeau has installed a defensive mindset into this Minnesota team that has been missing over the past couple seasons.  The Timberwolves held opponents to just over 94 points per game in the preseason.  They started the season with a 98-102 loss at Memphis, and I look for them to lock in defensively tonight against the Kings.  The Kings have shown defensive improvement under Dave Joerger as well as they are going all-out on that side of the court in the early going.  They held Phoenix to just 94 points in the opener and San Antonio to a respectable 102 points in their second game of the season.  The UNDER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings with combined scores of 202, 217, 194 and 192 points.  Take the UNDER.