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* 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* 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.

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.

6* Celtics/Bulls TNT *CA$H COW* on UNDER 211

The Key: Because the Celtics played a shootout against the Nets last night in a 122-117 win, this total has been inflated tonight.  The Celtics won't be playing with the same energy as they did last night, and the Bulls are a much better defensive team than the Nets.  The Bulls have plus-defenders in Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson, Robin Lopez, Rajon Rondo and Dwayne Wade in their starting lineup.  They will be a great defensive team this year.  I worry about their offense, though, as they lack shooting in their starting 5.  This may be one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the NBA this season.  All 3 meetings between these teams last season saw 211 or fewer combined points.  They combined for 211, 193 and 205 points in them.  The UNDER is 14-3 in Celtics last 17 games following a straight up win.  The UNDER is 40-18-3 in Celtics last 61 Thursday games.  Take the UNDER.

6* Rockets/Lakers ESPN *BAILOUT* on OVER 222

The Key: Mike D'Antoni was a perfect fit for Houston's roster.  That has proven to be the case in the preseason as the Rockets led the league with an average of 118.6 points per game, which was 6 points more than second-place Golden State.  Their defense leaves a lot to be desired as they gave up 108.1 points per game in the preseason.  The Lakers are going to be improved offensively this season with their young nucleus in Luke Walton's system, which he brings over from Golden State.  They average a solid 105.9 points per game in the preseason to finish in the Top 10.  But they had the fourth-worst scoring defense in allowing 107.2 points per game, and that will be the case all season.  Look for plenty of points in this opener as the combined scored of this game sails way OVER 222 points.  Take the OVER.

7* Cavs/Warriors *TOTAL* Annihilator on UNDER 205

The Key: The Golden State Warriors will no longer be able to go small with Draymond Green at center, which is their best lineup.  They will have to go bigger and give Andrew Bogut more minutes.  I believe that chance will make the Warriors' offense much less potent, and it will help lead to a low-scoring Game 5.  These teams are now very familiar with one another after playing four games already, which also favors the defenses.  Cleveland is 8-1 UNDER as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.  The UNDER is 7-1 in Warriors last eight vs. Eastern Conference.  The UNDER is 19-6-1 in Warriors last 26 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  Take the UNDER.

7* Thunder/Warriors *TOTAL* Annihilator on UNDER 219

The Key: The Thunder and Warriors have now squared off six straight times.  It's obvious that they are familiar with one another now, and that will lead to a low-scoring battle in Game 7 that favors the defenses with everything at stake.  These teams combined for 209 points in Game 6, and I look for a similar output tonight in Golden State.  The Warriors have been going with a bigger lineup to counter the Thunder, which also favors the UNDER.  The Under is 8-3 in Thunder last 11 Conference Finals games.  The Under is 7-2 in Warriors last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  The Under is 8-3 in Warriors last 11 Conference Finals games.  The Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Golden State.  Take the UNDER.

7* Warriors/Thunder *TOTAL* Annihilator on UNDER 221

The Key: The Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder are obviously extremely familiar with one another as they've played five games in this series already.  That clearly favors the defenses and will lead to a low-scoring affair in Game 6.  The Warriors made an adjustment and decided to go bigger for longer stretches in Game 5, and it worked, so look for them to go big again.  That also favors the defenses as the Thunder prefer to play big anyways.  OKC is 13-3 UNDER after two straight games where it made 9 or more 3-point shots.  Golden State is 17-5 UNDER off two straight games where it made 85% or more of their free throws this season.  The UNDER is 8-3 in Warriors last 11 road games.  Take the UNDER.

7* Thunder/Warriors *TOTAL* Annihilator on UNDER 220.5

The Key: The UNDER is 3-1 through the first four games of this series, yet the oddsmakers have failed to adjust enough tonight in setting this total above 220 points once again.  They combined for 210 points in Game 1, 209 in Game 2 and 212 points in Game 4.  I expect a similar result tonight here in Game 5 as these teams are now extremely familiar with one another, which only favors the defenses even more as this series goes on.  OKC is 8-1 UNDER in road games vs. teams who outscore their opponents by 9-plus points per game this season.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Thunder's last 4 road games.  The UNDER is 7-2 in Thunder's last 9 conference finals games.  The UNDER is 19-7-1 in Warriors last 27 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  The UNDER is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Golden State.  Take the UNDER.

7* Warriors/Thunder *TOTAL* Annihilator on UNDER 220.5

The Key: The first two games of this series have stayed well UNDER the posted total, yet the oddsmakers have failed to adjust enough in Game 3 tonight.  They combined for 210 points in Game 1 and 209 points in Game 2.  The total for Game 3 has been set at 220.5, and I have a hard time seeing them combining for at least 210 points again, let alone 220.5.  Golden State is 21-10 UNDER in all playoff games over the last two seasons.  OKC is 12-3 UNDER off a road loss by 10 points or more over the last two years.  The UNDER is 6-1 in Warriors last 7 conference finals games.  The UNDER is 7-2 in Warriors last 9 road games.  The UNDER is 6-1 in Thunder last 7 conference finals games.  Take the UNDER.

7* Cavs/Raptors *TOTAL* Annihilator on UNDER 198.5

The Key: I certainly like backing the UNDER in playoff series as they get deeper into the series.  That's because teams become more familiar with each other, which favors the defenses.  The Raptors and Cavs combined for 199 points in Game 1 and then 197 in Game 2.  I look for that trend to continue and for Game 3 to be the lowest-scoring contest yet.  The UNDER is 48-23 in Cavaliers last 71 vs. Atlantic Division opponents.  The UNDER is 7-2 in Raptors last 9 vs. NBA Central Division opponents.  The UNDER is 21-5-1 in the last 27 meetings in Toronto.  Take the UNDER.

7* Spurs/Thunder *TOTAL* Annihilator on UNDER 195.5

The Key: This series continues to get lower-scoring as the series progresses and the Spurs and Thunder get more familiar with one another.  We've seen 3 of the last 4 games finish with 196 or fewer combined points, including a series-low 186 points in Game 5.  I look for a similar total in Game 6 tonight as this will be yet another defensive battle.  San Antonio is 27-12 UNDER off an ATS loss this season.  Oklahoma City is 8-1 UNDER in home games when playing 4 or less games in 10 days this season.  The UNDER is 14-3 in Spurs last 17 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The UNDER is 7-2 in Thunder last 9 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.  The UNDER is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in Oklahoma City.  Take the UNDER.

7* Thunder/Spurs *TOTAL* Annihilator on UNDER 199.5

The Key: After combined scores of 195 and 196 in Games 2 and 3, the Spurs and Thunder combined for 208 points in Game 4.  But the Thunder shot 50.6% in that contest and the Spurs 47.1%, and that won't happen again in Game 5.  The series is pretty much on the line in this game tonight, so look for the defensive intensity to be very high.  Also, these teams are now so familiar with each other that scoring will be at a premium.  The Spurs only give up 90.4 points per game at home this year.  The UNDER is 12-3 in Thunder's last 15 games off two straight games where they made 9 or more 3-point shots.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Spurs last 6 home games.  The UNDER is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.  Take the UNDER.

7* Spurs/Thunder *TOTAL* Annihilator on UNDER 198.5

The Key: The last two games in this series have gone UNDER 198.5 points.  The Spurs and Thunder combined for 195 points in Game 2 and 196 points in Game 3.  Now that they are even more familiar with one another, I look for Game 4 to actually be the lowest-scoring game of this series yet.  Oklahoma City is 8-0 UNDER in home games when playing 4 or less games in 10 days this season.  The UNDER is 14-2 in Spurs last 16 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The UNDER is 6-1 in Thunder last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.  The UNDER is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in OKC, and 5-1 in the last 6 meetings overall.  Take the UNDER.

7* Raptors/Heat Game 3 *TOTAL* Annihilator on UNDER 187.5

The Key: The Heat and Raptors have somehow managed to go to overtime in three straight games dating back to the regular season.  The first two games of this series were extremely low-scoring in regulation.  They combined for 180 points at the end of regulation in Game 1, and 172 points at the end of regulation in Game 2.  I look for Game 3 to take a similar pattern and to stay well UNDER the posted total of 187.5, obviously assuming they don't go to OT for a 4th consecutive time.  The UNDER is 6-0 in Raptors last six road games.  The UNDER is 6-1 in Heat last seven games overall.  Take the UNDER.

7* Blazers/Warriors Game 1 *TOTAL* Annihilator on UNDER 208.5

The Key: With no Steph Curry, the Golden State Warriors have had to win with defense in the playoffs up to this point.  They held the high-octane Houston Rockets to an average of only 91.2 points per game last series.  Now they're going to make it tough on the Blazers in this series as well, starting with Game 1.  It's also worth noting the Blazers held the Clippers to 98 or fewer points in 3 of their 6 games.  This will certainly be a defensive battle today folks.  Bets on the UNDER on home teams when the total 200 or more, an excellent offensive team that averages at least 102 points per game against a bad defensive team that gives up at least 102 points per game, after scorign 55 points or more in the first half of 2 straight games are 74-33 over the last 5 seasons.  Take the UNDER.

7* Raptors/Pacers *TOTAL* Annihilator on UNDER 194

The Key: When you look at how this series has played out, there's a lot to like about the UNDER in Game 6 tonight.  The UNDER went 4-0 in their first four games before going over the total in Game 5.  They have combined for 190 or fewer points in 4 of the 5 games thus far.  They have averaged only 189 combined points per game in this series, so there's clearly value with the UNDER in Game 6.  Indiana is 9-1 UNDER in home games when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%) this season.  Indiana is 10-1 UNDER after scoring 60 points or more in the first half last game this season.  The UNDER is 5-0 in Raptors last 5 road games.  Take this combined 24-2 angle backing the UNDER straight to the bank tonight.  Take the UNDER.

7* Celtics/Hawks Game 5 *TOTAL* Annihilator on UNDER 198

The Key: The Boston Celtics have shot 36.3% and 31.8% in their first two games in Atlanta in this series.  The Hawks have only been slightly better, shooting 40.7% and 39.0%, respectively.  Look for a very low-scoring contest in Game 5 similar to Game 2 when these teams only combined for 161 points.  Now very familiar with one another, this is sure to be a defensive battle.  Atlanta is 11-2 UNDER in home playoff games over the last 3 seasons.  The UNDER is 11-1 in Celtics last 12 games following an ATS win.  The UNDER is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings in Atlanta.  Take the UNDER.

7* NBA 1st Round TOTAL OF THE YEAR on Blazers/Clippers UNDER 205.5

The Key: After combining for 210 points in Game 1, the last two games of this series have been extremely low scoring as these teams have become more familiar with one another, which has clearly favored the defenses.  They combined for 183 points in Game 2 and 184 points in Game 3.  Now the total is set at 205.5 for Game 4, which is more than 20 points more than they combined for the past two games.  This is about as easy as it gets ladies and gents as this game will stay well UNDER the posted total as well.  Five of the last seven meetings have seen 193 or fewer combined points also.  The Clippers are 14-6 UNDER revenging a loss vs. opponent this season.  Los Angeles is 9-0 UNDER versus good 3-point shooting teams who make 36% or more of their attempts in the 2nd half of the season this season.  The Clippers are 10-1 UNDER versus teams who average 7 or fewer steals per game in the 2nd half of the season this season.  The UNDER is 35-17 in Clippers last 52 games following a straight up loss.  Take the UNDER.

7* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Celtics/Warriors UNDER 222

The Key: The Celtics and Warriors both have a lot to play for right now, so the defensive intensity should be high in this game.  These teams met earlier this season with the Warriors winning 124-119 in double-overtime.  But that game was tied 103-103 at the end of regulation for 206 combined points.  That's about the same output I expect tonight at the end of regulation as this game stays well below the 222-point total.  Boston is 14-3 UNDER in road games revenging a loss where opponent scored 110 or more points over the last 2 seasons.  The UNDER is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.  Take the UNDER.

6* NBA *TOTAL* Annihilator on Jazz/Bucks UNDER 192

The Key: When the Jazz and Bucks get together, the end result is usually a low-scoring affair.  That will be the case again tonight when these teams meet up in Milwaukee.  Both teams are fighting to stay alive in their respective playoff races, which will add to the defensive intensity.  The last two meetings between these teams have seen 157 and 165 combined points.  That's an average of 161 combined points per game, which is 31 points below this 192-point total today.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 games overall.  The UNDER is 14-3 in Bucks last 17 games following a win.  The UNDER is 6-1 in Bucks last 7 Sunday games.  Take the UNDER.

7* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Timberwolves/Suns UNDER 222

The Key: It's pretty easy to see that this total has been inflated when you look at recent meetings between the Timberwolves and Suns.  The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings and none of those five games saw more than 220 combined points.  They have averaged a combined 209 points per game in those five contests.  As you can see, that's 13 points fewer than the 222-point total set today.  Minnesota is 21-3 UNDER in its last 24 road games off an upset win over a division opponent.  Phoenix is 9-1 UNDER in March home games over the last two seasons.  Take the UNDER.

6* Cavs/Lakers TNT *BAILOUT* on OVER 209

The Key: The Cleveland Cavaliers have really gotten going offensively here of late.  They have scored 100-plus points in five straight games, and that trend will continue against one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA in the Lakers.  Los Angeles has also shown some life offensively in averaging 109.5 points per game in its last two.  But the Lakers have allowed 101-plus points in 9 of their last 11 games  and yield 106.9 points per game on the season.  The Cavs and Lakers have combined for at least 211 points in 5 straight meetings with the OVER going 5-0.  They have combined for 231, 225, 211, 227 and 238 points in those five.  Take the OVER.

6* NBA *CA$H COW* on Raptors/Rockets Under 214

The Key: Expect the Raptors to control the pace and slow this game down despite Houston's tendency to run the court on offense and try to force turnovers on defense.  The Rockets are on their second road game in a row after playing in Chicago Saturday and should fall into the Raptors more methodical pace.  Take the Under.

6* NBA *TOTAL* Annihilator on Jazz/Grizzlies UNDER 193

The Key: It's hard not to like the UNDER in this game when you look at recent meetings. The Jazz and Grizzlies have combined for 190 or fewer points in 8 consecutive meetings.  They've averaged 179.6 points in those 8 meetings.  That's 13.4 points fewer than tonight's posted total of 193, and it's an 8-0 angle when you consider this 193-point total.  Take the UNDER.

6* NBA Monday *TOTAL* Annihilator on Thunder/Kings UNDER 227.5

The Key: The Sacramento Kings are really banged up right now with DeMarcus Cousins, Rudy Gay and Rajon Rondo all nursing injuries.  They have managed just an average of 99.5 points per game int heir last two games and will find it hard to score on Oklahoma City as well.  When looking at recent meetings, it's easy to seotal has been set way too high tonight.  In fact, the Thunder and Kings have combined for 220 or fewer points in 13 straight meetings.  That's a 13-0 angle when factoring in this 227.5-point total set.  Take the UNDER.

7* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Hornets/Pacers OVER 204

The Key: These teams recently played on February 10 with the Hornets winning 117-95 for 212 combined points.  I look for another shootout tonight between the Pacers and Hornets that easily exceeds this 204-point total.  The Pacers have topped 100 points in 8 of their last 12 games overall.  The Hornets have topped 100 points in 7 of their last 9 games overall.  Indiana is 9-1 OVER revenging a home loss vs opponent of 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.  Charlotte is 17-7 OVER as a road underdog of 6 points or less over the last 2 seasons.  The OVER is 6-1 in Pacers last 7 home games.  The OVER is 8-2 in Pacers last 10 vs Eastern Conference.  Take the OVER.

7* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Jazz/Wizards UNDER 198

The Key: The Utah Jazz play at the league's slowest pace by a wide margin, averaging just 92.9 possessions per game.  They win their games with defense as they rank 14th in defensive efficiency and only yielding 96.4 points per game on the season.  Washington and Utah are used to low-scoring games.  IN their two meetings last season, they combined for 172 points in Utah and 177 points in Washington.  As you can see, those two outputs were 26 and 21 points less than this 198-point total.  The UNDER is 11-3 in Jazz last 14 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.  The UNDER is 11-4 in Wizards last 15 home games.  The UNDER is 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Washington.  Take the UNDER.

6* NBA *Total* Annihilator on Thunder/Suns UNDER 215.5

The Key: The Phoenix Suns are a mess right now, having lost 13 of their last 14 games overall.  Their biggest problem is that they are getting no offensive production due to injuries to three of their best scorers.  Eric Bledson, Brandon Knight and TJ Warren are all out.  The Suns have scored 98 or fewer points in 11 of their last 14 games.  Knowing that fact alone, it's easy to see why there is value with the UNDER 215.5 points in this game against the Thunder Monday night.  The Suns are 9-1 UNDER off 2 or more consecutive home losses over the last 2 seasons.  Take the UNDER.

6* NBA *Total* Annihilator on Bucks/Jazz UNDER 189.5

The Key: The Utah Jazz and Milwaukee Bucks really prefer to play at a slow tempo.  The Jazz rank dead last in the NBA in pace at 93.0 possessions per game.  The Bucks rank 25th in pace at 96.1 possessions per game.  We saw this on display when these teams last got together.  The Jazz beat the Bucks 82-75 at home for 157 combined points.  While I don't expect this game to be that low scoring, I do see it easily going under this 189.5-point total.  The UNDER is 6-1 in Bucks last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The UNDER is 7-2 in Bucks last 9 road games overall.  The UNDER is 25-11-1 in Jazz last 37 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  The UNDER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Utah.  Take the UNDER.

7* Warriors/Bulls ESPN *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 215

The Key: The oddsmakers have set a very big total for this game between the Warriors and Bulls tonight.  I believe the value to be on the UNDER at 215 points in this one.  For starters, this game will be played on National TV, so the defensive intensity will be higher than normal.  Both teams are coming off high-scoring games that have inflated this total with the Warriors scoring 132 against Cleveland and the Bulls scoring 111 against Detroit.  But the real key here is that the Bulls and Warriors have combined for 214 or fewer points at the end of regulation in 13 straight meetings. That's a 13-0 system backing the UNDER when factoring in this total set of 215.  Take the UNDER.

7* Warriors/Cavs TNT *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 209

The Key: Oddsmakers have set the bar too high tonight in this NBA Finals rematch between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers.  It's clear that the intensity level will be very high in this game, and that will favor the defenses.  These teams are obviously familiar with one another after playing in the NBA Finals last season and once already this year, so that also favors the defenses.  The first meeting between these teams on Christmas Day was very low-scoring as well.  The Warriors beat the Cavs 89-83 for 172 combined points.  They have combined for 208 or fewer points in all 7 meetings since Game 1 of the NBA Finals, and 195 or fewer points in five of those.  Cleveland is 12-0 UNDER off a non-conference game this season.  Take the UNDER.

6* NBA *Total* Annihilator on Nets/Hawks UNDER 205.5

The Key: Based on the recent history between the Nets and Hawks, it's clear that oddsmakers have inflated this total tonight.  Both teams are coming off high-scoring games last night, but the Hawks only went over the total against the Bucks due to overtime.  Those two high scoring games have forced oddsmakers to inflate this total as well.  The UNDER is 3-0 in the last 3 meetings with combined scores of 178, 188 and 198 points.  That's an average of 188.0 combined points per game, which is 17.5 points less than this 205.5-point total.  Take the UNDER.

7* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH on T'Wolves/Rockets OVER 204.5

The Key: When the Timberwolves and Rockets get together, it usually results in a high-scoring affair.  In fact, the OVER is 6-0 in the last six meetings between these teams with six straight combined scores of 214 or more points.  They have combined for 230, 215, 226, 214, 222 and 235 points in their last 6 meetings, respectively.  That's an average of 223.7 combined points per game, which is 19.2 points more than this posted total of 204.5.  Take the OVER.

7* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Cavs/Mavs OVER 198

The Key: With Kyrie Irving back in the lineup, the Cleveland Cavaliers are hitting on all cylinders offensively.  They have scored 104, 122, 121, 125 and 95 points in their last 5 games overall.  That 95-point effort was the result of a poor shooting night in which they shot just 38.9% against the 76ers, but that's not likely to happen again.  The Mavs have scored at least 100 points in 6 of their last 10 games coming in.  Recent meetings between these teams indicate that this total has been set too low.  The Mavs and Cavs have combined for at least 199 points in 4 straight meetings.  They are averaging 212.5 combined points/game over their last 4 meetings.  That's 14.5 points more than this 198-point total.  Take the OVER.

7* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Nuggets/Grizzlies UNDER 192.5

The Key: The Grizzlies have been playing in some very low-scoring games over the past month-plus.  They have scored fewer than 100 points in 15 of their last 18, and they've allowed 100 or fewer in 12 of their last 13.  The Grizzlies are still a great defensive team, but they are now offensively-challenged because both PG Mike Conley and SG Courtney Lee are nursing injuries that will likely keep them out tonight.  The Nuggets and Grizzlies have played in very low scoring affairs in their last two meetings with combined scores of 173 and 168 points.  The UNDER is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.  The Nuggets are 10-1 to the UNDER in their last 11 vs. a team with a winning record.  Take the UNDER.

6* NBA Eastern Conference *TOTAL* Annihilator on Magic/Knicks UNDER 196.5

The Key: When you look at recent meetings between the Knicks and Magic, it's easy to see why I like the UNDER here.  They have combined for 191, 159 and 172 points in their last three meetings.  That's an average of 174.0 points per game and 22.5 points less than this 196.5-point total.  Both teams prefer to slow down the tempo as the Magic rank 19th in pace while the Knicks are 23rd.  Both teams struggle offensively as the Magic are 19th in offensive efficiency while the Knicks are 21st.  Both teams are improved defensively this season as the Magic rank 8th in defensive efficiency while the Knicks rank 16th.  Orlando is 8-0 UNDER in road games off a close loss by 3 points or less over the last 2 seasons.  The Magic are 8-0 UNDER in road games off a home loss to a division opponent over the last 3 years.  Take the UNDER.

6* NBA Eastern Conference *TOTAL* Annihilator on Magic/Nets UNDER 199

The Key: Two poor offensive teams square off tonight when the Magic meet the Nets in an Eastern Conference showdown.  The Magic rank 23rd in offensive efficiency while the Nets rank 27th.  These are two teams who also play at below-average league paces as the Nets are 16th in pace while the Magic are tied for 17th.  Each of the last four meetings between these teams have seen 200 or fewer combined points.  Orlando is 15-4 UNDER in its last 19 road games when playing just its 2nd game in 5 days.  The Magic are 34-13 UNDER in road games off two or more consecutive losses over the last 3 years.  The Nets are 14-3 UNDER off a loss by 6 points or less over the last 2 years.  The UNDER is 12-1 in Magic last 13 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.  The UNDER is 21-7-2 in the last 30 meetings.  Take the UNDER.

6* NBA Non-Conference *Total* Annihilator on Grizzlies/Heat UNDER 189.5

The Key: The Miami Heat have been the best UNDER bet in the NBA.  They are 17-4 to the UNDER this season and oddsmakers just can't set their totals low enough.  They certainly haven't set this one low enough as this is a battle between two defense-first teams who play at slow paces.  Miami ranks 2nd in the NBA in defensive efficiency, giving up 96.4 points per 100 possessions.  While the Grizzlies have slipped defensively this year, this is still a good defensive team.  Miami ranks 25th in pace at 96.1 possessions per game, while Memphis ranks 24th in pace at 96.9 possessions per game.  Miami is 20th in offensive efficiency while Memphis is 25th in offensive efficiency.  The Heat are 9-1 UNDER vs. teams with winning records this year.  Take the UNDER.

7* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Pistons/76ers UNDER 192.5

The Key: The 76ers and Pistons played in some ugly defensive battles in their final two meetings last year.  THey combined for 158 and 177 points, both of which came in Philadelphia.  The 76ers are awful offensively once again this season as they are 30th in the NBA in offensive efficiency.  The Pistons have also struggled on that end as they're 24th in offensive efficiency.  But the Pistons do lock it down defensively, ranking 8th in the NBA in efficiency on that end.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Pistons last 6 games, while the UNDER is 5-1 in 76ers last 6 games as well.  Take the UNDER.

6* NBA Eastern Conference *TOTAL* Annihilator on 76ers/Knicks UNDER 192.5

The Key: These are two of the worst offensive teams in the NBA.  The 76ers rank last in offensive efficiency at 91.7 points per 100 possessions, while the Knicks are 23rd at 99.6 points per 100 possessions.  These teams are used to playing in ugly, low-scoring games when they meet.  The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings with all five games seeing 192 or fewer combined points.  They have combined to average 183.6 points in those 5 meetings.  The UNDER is 25-12 in 76ers last 37 games on 0 days of rest.  The UNDER is 5-1 in 76ers last 6 games overall.  The UNDER is 6-1-1 in Knicks last 8 home games.  The UNDER is 11-3-1 in Knicks last 15 games overall.  Take the UNDER.

6* NBA Western Conference *TOTAL* Annihilator on UNDER 197

The Key: The Utah Jazz are a slow-it-down team that plays some of the best defense in the NBA.  The Jazz rank 7th in defensive efficiency, allowing 99.2 points per 100 possessions.  They actually rank last in the NBA in pace, averaging 94.7 possessions per game.  They are 19th in offensive efficiency at 100.1 points per 100 possessions.  New Orleans is expected to be without leading scorer Anthony Davis, which is going to make life real difficult for them offensively.  Utah is 15-4 UNDER as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 2 seasons.  The UNDER is 6-1 in Pelicans last 7 games playing on 0 days rest.  The UNDER is 12-3-1 in Pelicans last 16 road games.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 games overall.  Take the UNDER.

7* NBA Western Conference *TOTAL* Annihilator on Mavs/Spurs UNDER 196

The Key: The San Antonio Spurs are playing tremendous defense this season.  They rank 2nd in the NBA in defensive efficiency, giving up just 94.1 points per 100 possessions.  But their offense has really been lacking recently.  They've averaged 93.3 points in their last three games and have turned the ball over 39 times in their last two.  This has typically been a low-scoring series of late as the UNDER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.  They have combined for 180, 195 and 192 points in their last three meetings dating back to last season.  Dallas is 10-1 UNDER off a game with 5 or less offensive rebounds over the last 2 seasons.  The UNDER is 8-3 in Mavericks last 11 games playing on 0 days rest.   The UNDER is 5-1 in Spurs last 6 games overall.  Take the UNDER.

6* NBA Non-Conference *TOTAL* Annihilator on Knicks/Thunder UNDER 207

The Key: The New York Knicks got a lot better defensively this season when they signed defensive anchor Robin Lopez in the offseason.  They are playing great on the defensive end, holding eight of their last nine opponents to less than 100 points.  But they haven't been a whole lot better offensively this year, scoring 99 or fewer points in seven of their last nine games.  The UNDER is 7-2 in their last 9 games as a result.  Their job defensively tonight got a whole lot easier when it was announced that Kevin Durant was going to miss this game as well as he continues to recover from injury.  The Thunder just aren't as explosive offensively without him.  These teams played in a couple low-scoring affairs last season.  They combined for 192 and 183 points in their two meetings.  I don't expect that a year later its' going to be any different, especially without Durant and with the way the Knicks are getting after it defensively.  OKC is 10-1 UNDER (+8.9 Units) in home games after scoring 110 points or more 2 straight games over the last 3 seasons.  Take the UNDER.

6* Bucks/Cavaliers TNT *TOTAL* Annihilator on UNDER 195.5

The Key: These teams just played a few days ago on November 14 in a double-overtime thriller in which the Bucks won 108-105 at home.  But this game was tied 88-88 at the end of regulation, which is 176 combined points, nearly 20 points below this 195.5-point total.  These teams are obviously very familiar with each other after having just played, and I look for the defenses to be at an advantage because of it.  The UNDER is 17-4 in Bucks last 21 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Take the UNDER.

6* NBA Non-Conference *TOTAL* Annihilator on 76ers/Spurs UNDER 196

The Key: Philadelphia just lost 85-102 at Oklahoma City last night in a low-scoring affair that saw 187 combined points. I expect more of the same from them tonight against the Spurs.  The last time they traveled to San Antonio last season, they lost 75-100 for 175 combined points.  The 76ers rank dead last in the NBA in offensive efficiency, averaging just 92.7 points per 100 possessions.  Their defense is at least decent with all of the big guys in the middle at their disposal, but they can't get anything going offensively.  It's not going to get any easier tonight against a Spurs team that ranks 2nd in the league in defensive efficiency, allowing 94.3 points per 100 possessions.  San Antonio is 16-5 UNDER off a road win where it scored 110 points or more over the last 3 seasons.  Plays on the UNDER on all teams where the total is 190 to 199.5 (76ers) after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games, with a winning percentage of less than 25% and playing a team with a winning record are 72-32 since 1996.  The UNDER is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings and 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in San Antonio.  Take the UNDER.

7* NBA Eastern Conference Total of the Week on Cavs/Knicks UNDER 203.5

The Key: When looking at the recent history between the Cavs and Knicks, it's easy to see that there is some serious value with the UNDER 203.5 tonight.  The UNDER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings with combined scores of 182, 184, 177 and 185 points, which comes out to an average of 182 points per game.  That's 21.5 points less than this 203.5-point total.  These teams just played on November 4 with 182 combined points.  This total just makes no sense to me with how high it has been set, and we'll take advantage and back the UNDER.  Take the UNDER.

6* Rockets/Clippers Western Conference *BAILOUT* on OVER 215.5

The Key: These are two teams that love to push the tempo as they both rank in the top 10 in the NBA in possessions per game.  That's going to lead to a high-scoring game tonight, which is the usual outcome when these teams get together.  They have combined for 213, 226, 227, 223, 223, 224 and 218 points in their last seven meetings, respectively.  That's an average of 222 combined points per game.  Because of this, I believe there's some value with the over 215.5 tonight.  Houston has combined with its opponents for 226, 233 and 215 points in its last three games overall.  The OVER is 9-1 in Clippers last 10 games following an ATS win.  The OVER is 10-3 in Clippers lats 13 games overall.  The OVER is 15-5 in Clippers last 20 Saturday games.  The OVER is 6-1 in the last seven meetings.  Take the OVER.

6* Nuggets/Warriors Western Conference *BAILOUT* on OVER 211

The Key: The Nuggets are going to make a concentrated effort to push the tempo tonight after their 84-96 loss to defensive-minded Utah last night.  "In our losses, we've had too many ups and downs," said Danilo Gallinari, who scored a team-high 18 points. "We cannot allow ourselves to have too many ups and downs and have lapses in the game where we don't have pace".  The Warriors play at the league's fourth-fastest pace this season and lead the NBA in averaging 114.2 points per 100 possessions.  Looking at recent meetings, it's easy to see that there is value with the OVER.  These teams have gone 3-1 to the OVER in their last four meetings while averaging 226.3 combined points per game.  That's roughly 15 points more than tonight's posted total of 211.  Take the OVER.

6* NBA Wednesday *TOTAL* Annihilator on Knicks/Bucks UNDER 193.5

The Key: The New York Knicks improved their defense this offseason by signing Robin Lopez, who is one of the best defensive centers in the league.  His presence has been felt in the preseason as the Knicks ranked 4th in the NBA in defensive efficiency, giving up 94.8 points per 100 possessions.  The Milwaukee Bucks were a great defensive team last year in allowing just 43.7% shooting to opponents.  The Knicks averaged just 91.9 points on 42.8% shooting last year, while the Bucks managed to shoot just 45.4% from the field.  The final three meetings between these teams last year saw 190, 174 and 177 combined points, which is an average of 180.3 combined points per game.  I look for this game to finish in the 180-point range as well.  The Knicks are without shooting guard Aaron Afflalo, which hampers their offense.  The Bucks are without Jabari Parker, O.J. Mayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo, which hampers them as well.  Take the UNDER.

7* NBA Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Bulls/Nets UNDER 196.5

The Key: The Bulls and Nets are accustomed to playing in low-scoring games when they get together.  None of the last nine meetings in this series have seen 200 or more combined points.  They have combined for 199, 178, 185, 186, 176, 168, 173, 192 and 187 points in their last nine meetings.  That's an average of 182.7 points per game, which is well below this posted total of 196.  It's also an 8-1 angle backing the under.  The Nets have one of the least-talented rosters in the NBA, and the Bulls don't have the personnel to run the up-tempo offense that Fred Hoiberg liked to run while he was at Iowa State.  The Nets run their offense through Brook Lopez, so they are a slow-it-down team this year.  Plus, starting PG Jarrett Jack is expected to miss this game with a hamstring injury for the Nets.  The Bulls will be playing the second of a back-to-back and won't have a lot of energy to get up and down the court on offense.  Take the UNDER.

7* Pelicans/Warriors NBA Tuesday Night *BAILOUT* on UNDER 213

The Key: These teams are very familiar with one another after the Warriors swept the Pelicans in the playoffs last year.  Adding to that familiarity to open 2015-16 is that first-year head coach Alvin Gentry was an assistant for the Warriors last season.  That will be an interesting dynamic and one that should help lead to a low-scoring opener with all this familiarity.  These teams have combined for 208 or fewer points in five of their past six meetings at the end of regulation.  They have combined for 207, 216, 184, 205, 203 and 208 points at the end of regulation in their last six meetings.  The UNDER is 8-3-1 in Pelicans last 12 games overall.  The UNDER is 8-1-2 in Warriors last 11 home games.  The UNDER is 44-19-1 in Warriors last 64 vs. NBA Southeast Division opponents.  The UNDER is 9-3-1 in the last 13 meetings.  Take the UNDER.

7* Cavs/Warriors Game 1 "Total" Annihilator on OVER 203.5

The Key: This NBA Finals figures to be a high-scoring affair between two of the best offensive teams in the league.  I believe this 203.5-point total for Game 1 will be the lowest of the series as they combine to sail way over the total, which will have oddsmakers adjusting future games to have higher totals.  The Warriors put up 109.1 points per game overall and 111.2 points per game at home.  I look for them to approach their season averages against a Cleveland defense that is giving up 99.3 points per game on the road.  Cleveland is scoring 102.9 points per game overall, but it's offense has been much more efficient when Lebron James has been healthy.  The Cavs scored a combined 116.0 points per game in their final two games against Atlanta last series.  The two regular season meetings between these teams averaged 206.5 combined points per game, and Lebron James didn't play in one of them.  Golden State is 23-6 OVER off a game with 70 or more rebounds.  Take the OVER.

7* Hawks/Cavaliers Game 4 "Total" Annihilator on UNDER 194

The Key: After an extremely high-scoring Game 3 in this series, I feel that the oddsmakers have set the total too high for Game 4.  They have raised the total up from 190 in Game 3 to 194 for Game 4 based on the last contest alone.  The Cavaliers are short-handed offensively right now as they are likely without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love again.  The Hawks are without Kyle Korver for the rest of the postseason, which really hurts their floor spacing.  Lebron James is also hurt right now, but playing through it.  Atlanta is 16-3 UNDER in its last 19 when facing elimination in a playoff series.  The UNDER is 4-1 in Hawks' last five games overall.  The UNDER is 36-16-1 in Cavaliers last 53 when playing on one days' rest.  Take the UNDER.

7* Warriors/Rockets Game 3 "Total" Annihilator on OVER 214

The Key: This is strictly a value play.  The oddsmakers set the Warriors/Rockets total at 220 for Game 1 and 219 for Game 2.  Now, they have lowered the total all the way down to 214 for Game 3.  They have been forced to do so because the first two games went under the total.  Now, the clear value is with the over in Game 3.  Te OVER is 11-3 in Rockets last 14 home games.  The OVER is 14-6 in Rockets last 20 games overall.  The OVER is 37-18 in Rockets last 55 games following a loss.  Take the OVER.

7* Warriors/Grizzlies Game 6 "Total" Annihilator on UNDER 194

The Key: The UNDER is a perfect 5-0 in this series, yet the oddsmakers have failed to adjust enough for it.  The first total of this series was 196 points, and the total for Game 6 is only 194 points.  I still believe there's a ton of value here on the UNDER considering these teams haven't combined for more than 188 points in any game yet.  They have averaged just 184.6 combined points per game in the series, which is still nearly 10 points less than tonight's posted total of 194.  Plus, this game will be played in Memphis, and that means the Grizzlies will likely control the tempo as they love to play a half-court game.  The UNDER is 6-0 in Warriors L6 games overall.  The UNDER is 6-0 in Grizzlies last 6 Conference Semifinals games.  The UNDER is 24-2 in Grizzllies last 26 home games.  Take this combined 36-2 system backing the UNDER straight to the bank tonight.  Take the UNDER.

7* NBA 2nd Round TOTAL OF THE YEAR on Cavaliers/Bulls UNDER 192

The Key: The over has gone 3-1 in the last four games in this series.  That has provided us with ample value on the UNDER tonight.  Games in Chicago have been much lower-scoring than games in Cleveland, simply because Chicago controls the tempo when playing at home, and it likes to play at a slower pace.  These teams have averaged 182.5 combined points per game in the two meetings in Chicago this series.  In an elimination game, the intensity will be high for both teams, especially on the defensive end of the floor.  The Bulls are 33-23 UNDER when the total is between 190 and 199.5 points this season.  Chicago is 11-3 UNDER after covering 5 or 6 of its last 7 games this season.  The UNDER is 4-1 in Cavs last 5 road games.  The UNDER is 34-16-1 in Cavs last 51 games when playing on 1 days' rest.  Take the UNDER.

7* Clippers/Rockets Game 5 "Total" Annihilator on UNDER 219

The Key: With the OVER being 4-0 through the first four games of this series, I believe there is a ton of value in backing the UNDER in Game 5.  It's clear that the hack-a-Jordan has not worked for the Rockets, and I expect them to go away from it tonight, which will aid the under.  They just cannot afford to have so many guys in foul trouble as it has continued to haunt them in the second half of most of these games.  This 219-point total is seven points higher than Game 1's 212-point total, which alone shows that there is value with the UNDER.  Plays on the UNDER on teams where the total is greater than 210 (Clippers) - after a win by 10 pints or more against opponent after a combined score of 215 or more in two straight games are 41-10 (80.4%) over the last five seasons.  Take the UNDER.

7* Warriors/Grizzlies Game 4 "Total" Annihilator on UNDER 196

The Key: The reason the Memphis Grizzlies have a 2-1 series lead is because they have forced the Golden State Warriors to play at their pace both home and away.  They have combined for 187, 187 and 188 points as the UNDER is 3-0 in the first three games in this series.  I look for more of the same in Game 4 with the Grizzlies controlling the tempo playing at home.  Memphis is 25-8 UNDER versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.  The Grizzlies are 11-1 UNDER off an upset win as an underdog this season.  The UNDER is 23-3 in Grizzlies last 26 home games.  Take the UNDER.

7* Cavs/Bulls Game 3 "Total" Annihilator on UNDER 195.5

The Key: This is the highest total set yet in this series between the Cavs and Bulls.  That's because they are coming off and OVER in Game 2 where they combined for 197 points as the Cavs put up 106 and shot 12 of 26 from 3-point range.  I look for Game 3 to be much lower scoring, and the fact that this is the highest total yet in the series signifies some line value here with the UNDER.  Chicago doesn't want to get in a track meet, and it will control the tempo playing at home this time around.  Chicago is 16-5 UNDER when playing 4 or less games in 10 days this season.  The UNDER is 21-9 in Cavs last 30 Conference Semifinals games.  The UNDER is 41-19-1 in Cavs last 61 games when playing on one days' rest.  The UNDER is 7-1 in Bulls last eight games following an ATS loss.  The UNDER is 6-1 in Bulls last seven games off a S.U. loss.  Take the UNDER.