PAGE_HEADER

T.M. Selection: Virginia/Louisville OVER

Everyone knows about Virginia's defensive tendencies. This is such a low number though. Too low! Louisville is a top tier team and isn't going to go down without scoring. Cardnals averaging 79.4 points L5 games. The last meeting? A 73-68 final. Game had a total of 125. This one goes way over too. 

T.M. Prediction: 66-63 Louisville

T.M. Selection: Raptors/Pacers UNDER

These two teams met on Wednesday. They went way OVER the total. Expect that to be different here. At home this season, the Pacers have been great. Especially on the defensive end. As of right now, they are only allowing 105.20 ppg with their home crowd behind them. The total has also gone UNDER in 9 of Indiana's last 10 games when playing at home against Toronto. For the Raptors, they play great defense everywhere. They are only allowing 104.60 points per game on the road this season. That's insane. Off a higher scoring affair in their last matchup, I believe that both teams will be much better on the defensive end in this one. Take the UNDER and expect an easy winner.

T.M. Prediction: 101-99 Pacers

T.M. Selection: Miami Heat/Orlando Magic OVER 

Coming into this game, the total has gone OVER in 8 of Miami's last 10 games on the road. The Heat have also seen the total go OVER in 11 of their last 16 games on the road against the Magic. The total is low, expect it to go OVER with ease.

T.M. Prediction: 111-107 Heat

T.M. Selection: Michigan St/Wisconsin UNDER

Both of these two teams have seen more under's than over's this year, and they have both played stellar defense. Entering this game, The total has gone UNDER in all 5 of Michigan State's last 5 games this season. The Spartans have also seen the total go UNDER in each of their last 6 games against opponents in the Big Ten Conference. On the other hand, the total has gone UNDER in 7 of Wisconsin's last 10 games played on a Saturday. In their last five meetings against each other, all of 'em have stayed UNDER. Expect that again.

T.M. Prediction:  68-59 MSU

T.M. Selection: Phoenix|OKC Over

OKC comes into this game with by far a better record than the Suns. The Thunder have looked strong lately, scoring with ease. In their last 5 games against opponents in the Pacific Division, they have seen the total go OVER in 4 of those games. On the other hand, Phoenix is off a crushing performance against the Mavs where they scored 133. They have seen the total go OVER in five of their last six games against opponents in the Northwest Division. With a big win here, the Suns could easily make a push for a playoff position. Expect a back-and-forward high-scoring affair on Friday.

T.M. Prediction: 120-118 OKC

T.M. Selection: VCU|Rhode Island Under

These teams met 20 days ago. Together they scored 121 points. VCU is perhaps the best defense in the Atlantic 10. Rhode Island only allows 62.6 points per game in Conference play though. Under 3-0 In A Home Game Where The Total Is 140 To 144.5. D-E-F-E-N-S-E! D-E-F-E-N-S-E!

T.M. Prediction: 67-63 Rhode Island

T.M. Selection: 76ers/Hawks UNDER

I've got this one about 10 points too high. Atlanta has played some recent high scoring games but the 76ers have gone under the number in 7 of their last 10 games. Under is 13-6-2 with 76ers off home win. Under is also 10-4 last 14 when 76ers off 2 Consecutive Home Wins By 10 Points Or More. Last meeting had only 208 combined.

T.M. Prediction: 111-107 76ers

T.M. Selection: Toronto Raptors/San Antonio Spurs OVER

Coming into this game, the total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games. The total has also gone OVER in each of the Raptors' last 6 games played on the road. For the Spurs, they have seen the total go OVER in 12 of their last 17 games played in January. The total has also gone OVER in 7 of San Antonio's last 10 games at home. Expect a high-scoring game to be played on Sunday Afternoon. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 119-111 Raptors

T.M. Selection: Indiana Hoosiers/Maryland Terrapins UNDER

Analysis to come. 10* play

T.M. Prediction: 63-61 Maryland

T.M. Selection: Northeastern/Delaware OVER

Delaware enters Saturday's match with a 14-7 record, while the Huskies come in with a solid 11-9. Although their season record looks better, the Fightin' Blue Hens haven't really been too consistent throughout this season. Coming into this game, the total has gone OVER in 8 of Delaware's last 12 games against opponents in the Colonial Athletic Conference. Delaware has also seen the total go OVER in each of their last 5 games while playing on the road against Northeastern. For the Huskies, they have also seen many OVER's. The total has now gone OVER in 7 of Northeastern's last 9 games played in January. The score has also gone above the total in 5 of their last 7 games this season. Whovever wins this game, they'll gain a huge confidence boost going into the stretch. Expect a high-scoring, close affair on Saturday. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 78-75 Northeastern

T.M. Selection: Marquette/Butler OVER

Butler comes into this game with a 15-4 record, while Marquette is 14-5. The Bulldogs are at home in this matchup, so they come in as the favorite. Butler may have an excellent record so far, but they come in off 3 straight losses. Including each of those 3 games, the total has gone OVER in 4 of Butler's last 6 games this season. The Bulldogs have also seen the total go OVER in 4 of their last 5 games against opponents from the Big East Conference. On the other hand, Marquette has won each of their last 3 games, each against fairly good teams. Leading the way, is PG Markus Howard who is avereging 28.4 points per game this season. Last year, we saw him drop 50 in one game! Entering this game, the Golden Eagles have seen the total go OVER in 9 of their last 11 games. Marquette has also seen the total go OVER in 5 of their last 7 games played against this Butler team. Whoever wins this game will gain a huge confidence boost, so I believe that it will be a back-and-forward, high-scoring game on Friday. Expect lots of points and take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 78-75 Marquette

T.M. Selection: Milwaukee Bucks/Charlotte Hornets OVER (1st Half)

At 39-6, the Milwaukee Bucks are by far the best team in the league. However, they have still allowed 106.73 points per game. I mean, that's not too much when you are avereging 119+ per game youself, but still. Coming into this game, Milwaukee has seen the total has gone OVER in 4 of their last 5 games when playing on the road against Charlotte. The Bucks have also seen the total go OVER in 8 of 11 games off a home win by 10 points or more this season. On the other hand, Charlotte comes in with a 15-30 record. That may not look too good, but they have still played some decent basketball this season. With Devonte Graham leading the way, the Hornets come in averaging 106.19 points in home games this season. Charlotte has seen the total has gone OVER in 4 of their last 6 games against opponents in the Eastern Conference as well. If the Hornets win, that could give them lots of confidence in the furture, so I expect them to give it their hardest effort on Friday Afternoon. Take the OVER and expect a high-scoring game.

T.M. Prediction: 127-109 Bucks

T.M. Selection: Spurs/Heat UNDER

Both of these teams have seen more "over's" than "under's" the past few games, but I believe that more defense will be played tonight. After 2 consecutive non-conference games the past 3 seasons, Miami has seen the total go UNDER in 19 of their last 31 games. On the other hand, San Antonio has seen the total go UNDER in 19 of their last 31 games in home games where the total is greater than or equal to 220. The Spurs have also seen an UNDER in 10 of 17 games after 3 consecutive non-conference games. Expect an UNDER here on Sunday. 

T.M. Prediction: 107-102 Heat

T.M. Selection: Miami (OH)/Ball St UNDER

Miami Ohio may have seen 4 straight OVER's, but I believe that they are due for an UNDER here today. Entering this game, the total has gone UNDER in 4 of the past 5 meetings between these two teams. The total has also gone UNDER in 12 of Ball State's last 15 games against opponents in the Mid-American Conference. 10 of Ball St's last 15 games this season have gone "UNDER" the total aswell. Expect a highly-contested defensive battle to be played on Saturday. Buckle up for a low scoring game. Take the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 64-61 Ball St

T.M. Selection: Brooklyn Nets/Atalnta Hawks OVER

Neither team has had an excellent start to the new season, especially the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks sit at the bottom of the Estern Conference and have the worst record in the entire league. But that doesn't mean they can't score any points. Coming into this game, the total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games against opponents in the Atlantic Division. They have also given up 117+ points per game. For Brooklyn, they have a 17-20 record. They have also seen some very high-scoring games. the total has gone OVER in 5 of the Nets' last 7 games played in January. I expect another game with lots of points to be played on Sunday and for this game to go way OVER in the total. 

T.M. Prediction: 127-121 Nets

T.M. Selection: Delaware/Towson OVER

Coming into this game, the total has gone OVER in 5 of Towson's last 6 games played in January. Towson has also seen the total go OVER in 4 of their last 5 games at home. On the other hand, the total has gone OVER in 5 of Delaware's last 7 games this season. The total has also gone OVER in 6 of Delaware's last 8 games against opponents in the Colonial Athletic Conference. In the past, in games between these two teams, the total has gone OVER in 12 of the past 16 games. Expect another OVER here.

T.M. Prediction: 78-74 Delaware 

T.M. Selection: Canisius/Monmouth-NJ UNDER

Coming into this game, the total has gone UNDER in 6 of Canisius' last 8 games played in January. They have also seen the total go UNDER in 4 of their last 5 games at home against the Monmouth Hawks. For the Hawks, they saw an easy UNDER in their last game. In the past, the total has also gone UNDER in 4 of the past 6 games between these two teams. Expect another UNDER here.

T.M. Prediction: 67-61 Monmouth NJ

T.M. Selection: CAL Bapitst/CSU Bakerfield OVER

Neither of these teams are considered as great basketball schools. But, that doesn't mean that they cannot score. Cal Baptist has only failed to score 70+ points this season in 2 of their 15 games. That includes 10 straight games with over 70 points. On the other hand, the total has gone OVER in 6 of Cal State-Bakersfield's last 8 games played in January. The total has also gone OVER in 4 of Cal State-Bakersfield's last 6 games this season. Expect another OVER here.

T.M. Prediction: 81-74 CSU Bakerfield

T.M. Selection: VCA/Furman OVER

VCU is by far the better side, skill wised in this matchup. They come in with a 10-3 record and they have won 20 straight games at home. Virgia Commonwealth averages more than 72 points per game aswell. VCU has seen the toatl go OVER in 5 of their last 6 games played on a Thursday.On the other hand, the total has gone OVER in 10 of Fordham's last 13 games played on a Thursday. Expect this to be an easy winner. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 79-63 VCU

T.M. Selection: Eastern Kentucky/East Carolina UNDER

Eastern Kentucky has started the season 3-9 while the Pirates are 5-7. EKU enters this game off 7 straight losses though. In all games this season, they have seen the total go UNDER in 7 of the 11. They have also averaged about 73 points per game. On the other hand, the total has gone UNDER in 10 of East Carolina's L12 games played in December. I expect both teams two focus a bit more on the defesve side of the ball in a critical game for both teams. Take the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 74-71 EKU

T.M. Selection: Washington Wizards/Detroit Pistons OVER

Coming into this game, both of these two teams have seen the total go OVER more than UNDER. For the Wizards, they have seen the total go OVER in 5 of their last 6 games this season. The total has also gone OVER in each of their last 5 games on the road. On the other hand, Detroit has seen the total go OVER in back-to-back games. I expect hardly any defense at all in this game. Take the OVER and look for lots of points.

T.M. Selection: 129-127 Detroit Pistons

T.M. Selection: Houston/Washington OVER

Coming into this huge game, both of these two teams have looked very sharp. They have both averaged more than 74 points per game and they have fantastic records. Houston has seen the total go OVER in 6 of their past 9 games after covering the spread 3 or more consecutive times. Washington, on the other hand, has seen the total go OVER in 5 of 7 games this season, when they are playing against opponents with a winning record. I expect both teams to be on their A-Game on Christmas as they go for atleast 150 points. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 81-79 Washington

T.M. Selection: Raptors/Celtics OVER

Coming into this game, the total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games against opponents in the Atlantic Division. They have also seen the total go OVER in 22 of their last 36 games as a road favorite of 6 points or less. Toronto, on the other hand, has seen the total go OVER in 6 of their last 8 games played on a Wednesday. The total has also gone OVER in 4 of the Raptors' last 5 games against Boston. I expect another high-scoring game here. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 121-119 Celtics

T.M. Selection: Long Beach St/Southern Utah OVER

Coming into this game, Long Beach St is 3-8, while Southern Utah is 6-4. Long Beach St has seen the total go OVER in 6 of their last 8 games. It has also gone OVER in 3of their last 4 games. On the other hand Southern Utah has scored a lot this year. They have averaged 76.3 points per game. Expect it to go OVER here.

T.M. Prediction: 81-75 Long Beach St

T.M. Selection: Indiana/Nebraska UNDER

In this Big-Ten matchup, the 4-5 Cornhuskers will go up against the 9-1 Hoosiers. In the past, the total has gone UNDER in 8 of the last 9 games when these two teams are up against each other. Indiana is also off a game where they combined for only 111 with their opponent. I expect both defenses to step up big time in this big Conference Matchup for both teams. Take the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 72-65 Indiana

T.M. Selection: Iowa/Minnesota UNDER

Minnesota will travel to Iowa, where they'll play the Hawkeyes on Monday evening. Both of these two teams enter this game having seen the total go UNDER in most of their matches. For the Gophers, the total has gone UNDER in each of their last 9 games on the road. The total has also gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 9 games. On the other hand, Iowa has seen a lot of UNDER's as well. The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Iowa's L6 games played in December. Expect a low-scoring game in this Big-Ten matchup. Take the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 67-64 Iowa

T.M. Selection: Pepperdine/Idaho St Under

Neither team has had the start that they were hoping for. I expect both sides to tighten up their defense here. Off a low scoring game, the total has now gone UNDER in 13 of Idaho State's L16 games played in December. If the Bengals are going to have a chance in this one, they need to out play the Waves on the defensive end. Pepperdine, on the other hand, has seen the total go OVER many times this year. Although they've scored a lot, they have lost 5 straight games. They have also seen the total go UNDER in December though, as the UNDER is 11-3 in the past. Look for lots of defense to be played here, as both teams are desperate for a win. Take the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 71-63 Pepperdine

T.M. Selection: Lakers/Nuggets OVER

Both of these teams have had exactly the start they were looking for. They both sit 1 and 2 in the West and they've looked extremely sharp. Even though they both have had really good starts, they haven't seen to many OVER's. But, in their L15 meeting against each other, The total has gone OVER in 10 times out of those 15. I expect the total to go way OVER tonight in this huge game for both teams. Take the OVER. 

T.M. Prediction: 113-111 Lakers

T.M. Selection: Colorado/Sacramento St UNDER

Both of these teams come in with undefeated records. They have both been playing stellar basketball especially on the defensive end. Coming into this game, neither averages over 57 points allowed. For Sacramento St, the total has gone UNDER in each of their L6 games against an opponent in the Pacific-12 conference. The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Colorado's L12 games as well. I expect great defense on Saturday Night. Take the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 57-41 Colorado

T.M. Selection: Boston/Brooklyn UNDER

These two teams just played on Wednesday and the total went OVER in that game. I believe that it will be the opposite here. Coming into this game, Boston has seen the total go UNDER in each of their L5 road games. They also seen the UNDER 11 of 17 games this season. The Nets have also seen the total go UNDER. 4 of their L5 games have gone UNDER. I expect that to be the case here. Take Celtics/Nets UNDER the total.

T.M. Prediction: 103-99 Celtics

T.M. Selection: Minnesota TWolves/San Antonio OVER

In the past, most people thought that San Antonio was a defensive team that had many low-scoring games. It's true, but not this year. This year, they have barely played any defense, and if they do that against Minnesota, KAT will eat them alive. In previous matches against each other, the total has gone OVER 6 of the past 6 times. I expect that to be the case again tonight. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 120-117 Timberwolves

T.M. Selection: Rockets/Clippers OVER

Earlier this season, these two teams combined for only 195 points. I expect that to be different here. James Harden and the Rockets have absolutely been dominant so far this year. They have averaged 117.87 ppg and no one has been able to slow them down. Now, they'll play a LA Clippers team who have also been outstanding. The last three years, LA has seen the total go OVER 39 of 64 games as a home favorite. Look for this to be a back-and-forward game with lots of scoring. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 127-125 Rockets

T.M. Selection: Towson/Kent St OVER

Both of these two teams are undefeated to start the season. Towson is 2-0 while the Golden Flashes are 1-0. In Kent State's game, they scored 97 points against a weak opponent. That should motivate them to do it again on Monday against the Tigers. Towson scored lots in their last matchup as well. I expect both teams to be scoring buckets all over the place tonight. Take the OVER

T.M. Prediction: 81-75 Towson

T.M. Selection: Philadelphia 76ers/Charlotte Hornets OVER

 The 5-3 76ers, who started 5-0, will welcome the 4-5 Hornets to Phily on Sunday. Philadelphia have always been capable of scoring. This year, they got even stronger in that catagory, as they added C Al Horford to their finals contending team. So far this year, the 76ers have seen the total go OVER in 3 out of 4 games in November. On the other hand, the Hornets have seen the total go OVER 67% of the time as a road underdog. With Joel Embiid probable, I expect scoring to come in bunches on Sunday Evening. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 115-108 76ers

T.M. Selection: Philadelphia 76ers/Utah Jazz OVER

Both teams come into this game with winning records. The 76ers are off a high-scoring loss in their last game vs. the Phoenix Suns. In their L3 games, they've averaged 111.33 ppg. On the other hand, the Jazz have not yet seen the total go OVER this season. The OVER is due and expect it to cover with ease. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 117-109 76ers

T.M. Selection: Golden State/LA Clippers OVER

The Golden State Warriors will welcome the 1-0 Clippers to their new arena in San Fran. GSW has always been a high-scoring team and they'll look to continue that here tonight against the also high scoring LAC team. The Dubs will be led my 2x MVP Steph Curry as well as Draymond Green and DLo. Kawhi will lead the way on the other side. I expect the Warriors to win this close shootout. Take the OVER with ease.

T.M. Prediction: 125-122 GSW

T.M. Selection: Toronto Raptors/NO Pelicans UNDER

On Opening Night, the defending champs will welcome the New Orleans Pelicans to the six. Toronto, who are without Kawhi, will now be led by Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam, who just signed a 4-year max contract extension. The away team will have to play this one without their up-incoming star in Zion Williamson who'll be out with a leg injury. I expect Toronto and New Orleans to be more focused on defense as they both look to start the season off in a good way. Look for teams to struggle to get going early in this one as well as it's their first game of the new season. Take the UNDER with ease.

T.M. Prediction: 107-99 Raptors

T.M. Selection: Raptors/Warriors under (10* TOTAL BANKROLL BUILDER)

Golden State is still without Kevin Durant, but it is set to welcome back shooter Klay Thompson, who sat out Game 3 with injury. Toronto got out to a blistering start in Game 3 and Golden State was never able to catch up or hold it back. The Warriors took control of Game 2 in the second half of that contest behind a spectacular defensive performance and in my opinion, Golden State is going to be out to duplicate the performance here as it looks to avoid dropping into a 1-3 hole. Toronto looked great on both ends of the court in Game 3 and while it was unable to slow down Stephen Curry, the Raptors would do more than enough to slow down the rest of the role players. I think the Warriors body up from start to finish and I expect the visitors to follow suit. This number is a tad high.

T.M. Prediction: 107-102 Golden State.

T.M. Selection: Warriors/Raptors over (10*)

I played primarily on the Raptors in the ECF, but in Game 1 of the Finals, I’m going with the defending champs. With so much time off between series, I believe each team comes out refreshed and pushes the pace from start to finish. The Warriors will be out to set the tempo and I expect the champs to be relentless in trying to do that. This one has the feel of a “shootout” rather than a defensive “chess match.” Note as well that Golden State has seen the total go over in ten of 15 already this year as a road favorite of six points or less, while Toronto has seen the total sail over the number in three of four already this season when playing with three or more days rest.

T.M. Prediction: 114-110 Warriors.

T.M. Selection: Raptors/Bucks under (10*)

Kawhi Leonard is a new face to the Raptors, but he comes in with a ton of experience in the playoffs. Overall the Raptors have the advantage in the “experience” department. After getting “shell shocked” over the first two games of this series, Toronto returned to form on its own floor in Game’s 3 and 4 and I think it’ll carry that momentum over here. Leonard has been an absolute beast on both ends of the floor, but especially defensively vs. Bucks’ star Giannis. Toronto’s role players are back playing with a ton of confidence, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Milwaukee has been tough defensively as well in this series. This one has the feel of an all out war, where every possession is contested. This number is high.

T.M. Prediction: 106-104 Raptors.

T.M. Selection: Bucks/Raptors under (10* TOTAL OF WEEK)

Game 2 of course would have gone well under the number if not for the Raptors double OT victory. Toronto looked a lot better defensively, especially Kawhi Leonard in slowing down Bucks’ super star Giannis Antetokounmpo (12 points on 5 of 16 shooting, committing eight turnovers.) Toronto is going to employ an identical defensive game plan here as well obviously, except this time each side comes in extra tired after the marathon game last time out. It sets up perfectly as more of a  defensive affair in my opinion. Both teams have excelled defensively so far in the playoffs and I believe that will again be the case here. This number is a tad high.

T.M. Prediction: 108-105 Milwaukee.

T.M. Selection: Warriors/Blazers under (10* TOTAL BANKROLL BUILDER)

Game 2 went “over” in the Warriors 114-111 victory. Portland controlled the game over the first half, but Golden State’s prowess from behind the arc once again proved to be too much for Portland to handle down the stretch. Remember, they’re doing all of this without Kevin Durant, possibly the best player on the planet. The Warriors were wildly inconsistent over the second half of the regular season this year (for their lofty standards anyways) and they looked very susceptible vs. the Clippers in their six game opening round series victory. Golden State’s achilles heel has been its play on the road though and clearly the Blazers will be doubling down on the defensive end as they try desperate to back into this series. The shift in venue points to more of a defensive affair finally in my opinion, as I expect the home side to press from the opening tip, until the final horn. This number is a tad high.

T.M. Prediction: 108-106 Blazers.

T.M. Selection: Raptors/Bucks under (10* TOTAL MONEY-MAKER)

Toronto lost three of four to Milwaukee in the regular season, but I think Kawhi Leonard and company will at the very least take Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals right down to the wire. These teams are similar in many respects, in that they have a clear top tier dominant player (Leonard for the Raptors and Giaanis Antetokounmpo for the Bucks), as well as a strong cast of starting role players, combined with a deep and talented bench. Toronto’s late acquisition of big man Marc Gasol could swing this series in favor of Toronto though as he and Serge Ibaka proved to be too much for 76ers’ big man Joel Embiid to handle. And I think the combination of the two will prove difficult for Milwaukee as well. The Bucks have yet to be tested in any real way so far in the Playoffs, but I believe that changes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. This one just screams “defensive battle” in my opinion. Note as well though that Toronto has seen the total go under in 11 of its last 16 when playing with two days rest, while Milwaukee has seen the total go under in all five games that it’s played in tho shear with three or more days of rest. This number is a tad high, play the under.

T.M. Prediction: 108-106 Bucks.

T.M. Selection: Blazers/Nuggets under (10* SUPER TOTAL)

This has been a back and forth series and in Game 7 I believe that we’ll witness a very defensive affair. Fatigue comes into play here in Game 7 of this second round contest. Also note that the thin air of Denver can’t help these “gassed” players either. Denver has been at its best at home, but I’m expecting a battle until the final horn. In my opinion, this one sets up as a very tight, closely guarded defensive battle, rather than a high-scoring run and gun “shootout.” And the numbers/trends support that theory, as note that Portland has seen the total go under the number in 14 of its last 22 following a home win vs. a division rival, while Denver has seen the total dip below the posted number in seven of ten this year when playing with two days rest.

T.M. Prediction: 105-100 Nuggets.

T.M. Selection: Nuggets/Blazers under (10* TOTAL EXPRESS)

Coaching in the Playoffs, especially in the second round and beyond is all about “making adjustments.” Denver’s been great in that so far after taking out the Spurs in seven games and now seemingly getting a “firm read” on the Blazers and managing to slow down their star Damian Lillard. Clearly it’s up to the Blazers to respond, but these have historically been spots in which Lillard has faded in, not being able to step up and carry the load. And who else on Portland will step up to carry the load if Lillard can’t? I think this one sets up as a defensive affair, with Denver doing everything it can to control the tempo from the outset. Additionally note that the Nuggets have seen the total go under in three of four already this year off a win by ten points or more over a division rival, while Portland has seen the total dip under in three of four this year in trying to revenge a blowout loss of 20 points or more vs. an opponent. This number is high, play the under.

T.M. Prediction: 106-102 Blazers.

T.M. Selection: Raptors/76ers under (9* TOTAL EXPRESS)

Philadelphia is playing for its life here. After taking Game 1, Philadelphia has struggled with consistency and it now finds itself in a 3-2 hole. Toronto would clearly love nothing more than to end it here and now after taking Game 5 125-89. Where is Philadelphia’s scoring going to suddenly come from? Big man Joel Embiid is struggling with injury and sickness and for the most part Jimmy Butler and Ben Simmons have been completely ineffective. The last thing Toronto wants to do is to turn this into a track meet, instead I predict the visitors to come out and to blanket the 76ers once again from start to finish. Over the last ten years Toronto has had difficulty closing out series like this, but with Kawhi Leonard, perhaps that’s going to change this season. Regardless, from a situational stand point I think this one definitely sets up as a defensive affair, but also note that Toronto has seen the total go under in eight of ten so far in the playoffs anyways. This number is high, play the under.

T.M. Prediction: 105-103 Raptors.

T.M. Selection: Blazers/Nuggets under (10* TOTAL BEST OF BEST)

This has been a back and forth series. The Nuggets lost in quadruple OT in Game 3, only to then bounce back and steal another high-scoring affair in Game 4 to even the series. After back-to-back “marathons,” I believe a much more defensive affair in Game 5. Especially with the shift in venue to the thin Denver air. This one sets up beautifully as a lower-scoring under from a situational angle, but also note that Portland has seen the total dip under in 13 of its last 21 as a road underdog of six points or less, while Denver has seen the total go under in four of five this year off an upset win over a division rival as an underdog. This number is high.

T.M. Prediction: 105-100 Denver.

T.M. Selection: Warriors/Rockets over (10*)

Houston is back in this series after its OT win in Game 3. Clearly the last thing Houston can do is take the foot off the gas in Game 3. I’m expecting a very similar style of contest in Game 4 (note I had the over in Game 3). With the home side pushing the pace from the opening tip until the final horn, the Warriors will be forced to match pace with that style of game play. It sets up great as a high-scoring shootout from a situational stand point. Look for these two offensive clubs to play to another “barn burner” in Game 4 and play the over.

T.M. Prediction: 117-115 Rockets.

T.M. Selection: Nuggets/Blazers over (10*)

This doesn’t have to be an extremely high-scoring game (like Portland’s four OT Game 3 victory), to go “over” this very low number. And that’s exactly what I’m expecting. While most likely are thinking that these two teams will come in “gassed” after the Game 3 “marathon,” I believe these offenses are finally just “warming up!” Both teams are in unchartered territory and with the Warriors looking more susceptible right now than at any other time over the last five years, the Western Conference is up for grabs at this point. These are two young/hungry teams and I think fatigue is an over-rated factor here. And the numbers support that theory, as note that Denver has seen the total go over in 12 of its last 17 in trying to revenge a close loss vs. an opponent of three points or less, while Portland has seen the total eclipse the posted number in seven of ten already this season off a no-cover where it still won SU as the favorite. This number is low, play the over.

T.M. Prediction: 112-110 Blazers.

T.M. Selection: Warriors/Rockets over (10* TOTAL OF MONTH)

Even the most casual NBA fan knows the story lines and the strengths and weaknesses of these two teams, so breaking down individual player match ups is pretty much pointless in my opinion. Golden State dominated the first two games of this series at home, but with the shift to Houston, I’m expecting a much more wide open affair here. Clearly the Rockets are going to be looking to push the pace from start to finish as they try to turn the momentum around in this series. Golden State was surprisingly good defensively vs. Houston at home, but I believe it’ll struggle to duplicate that effort on the road. The numbers/trends support our theory as well, as note that Golden State has seen the total go over the number in 20 of 31 when leading in a playoff series, while Houston has seen the total go over in six of eight when playing with double revenge this year. This number is low.

T.M. Prediction: 118-115 Warriors.

T.M. Selection:  Bucks/Celtics over (10* TOTAL MONEY-MAKER)

The Celtics blew out the Bucks behind a great defensive performance in Game 1, before Milwaukee returned the favor in Game 2. While the Game 2 total did sneak over the number, This series so far hasn’t seen any big time offensive fireworks, but I believe that’s about to change here. Milwaukee will obviously be looking to push the pace again here after its 123-102 Game 2 victory. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 29 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Milwaukee had 20 3-pointers in Game 2 and I’m expecting a duplicate game-plan in Game 3 from the visiting side. Kyrie Irving looked great in Game 1 for Boston and poor in Game 2. With the shift in venue, we can expect the C’s best player to return to form here as well. This one has “shootout” written all over it, play the over.

T.M. Prediction: 119-118 Milwaukee.