It's easy to think offense with all the stars going in this matchup. The linesmaker believes so, too, setting a high total.

But Houston and Toronto are two underrated defensive teams.

The Rockets rank 10th in defensive efficiency. They are giving up 105.2 points per game on the season, which ranks 12th. They have held three of their last five opponents under 100 points.

The Raptors rank No. 2 in defensive efficiency. They play their best defense at home, too. Toronto has held its last three opponents at Air Canada Centre to an average of 94 points.

This sets up as an intense showdown battle between arguably the two best teams in each conference. Both teams are in action for the third time in four days. So I'm not expecting an up-tempo attack from either team. This should be a playoff-type game with far more defense than perceived.