PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's NBA Friday Top Ticket
(NBA) Phoenix vs. New Orleans,
Total: 231.50 | -110.00 Under
Result: Loss
Total: 231.50 | -110.00 Under
Result: Loss
This is the third meeting of the season between these two teams. The Suns won the first one, 111-86, on Dec. 29. The total on that game was 221 1/2. There were 197 points scored. The Pelicans won the second meeting. 123-101, on Feb. 3. That total was 223 and just barely got Over with 224 points scored.
Now look at the total for this game. I'm locking in at 231 1/2 - which is 7 1/2 points higher than what it was when the teams met 16 days ago.
The oddsmaker has been influenced by recent scores. The Suns lost 128-124 to the Nets on Tuesday in their last game. The Pelicans are off a 126-124 loss to the Trail Blazers two days ago. The Pelicans beat the Grizzlies, 144-113, three days ago.
So I get why the oddsmaker has raised the Over/Under on these teams. I just don't agree with this big of a jump.
The Suns give up the eighth-fewest points in the NBA per game at 108. They are going to be extremely motivated to clamp down defensively for the entire game after losing their concentration and blowing a big lead against the Nets.
Stan Van Gundy has been unable to get the Pelicans to play consistent defense. New Orleans, however, is a below average but not terrible defensive club ranking 23rd giving up 114.5 points per game. The Pelicans also should have incentive to improve their defense after their previous performance.
Now look at the total for this game. I'm locking in at 231 1/2 - which is 7 1/2 points higher than what it was when the teams met 16 days ago.
The oddsmaker has been influenced by recent scores. The Suns lost 128-124 to the Nets on Tuesday in their last game. The Pelicans are off a 126-124 loss to the Trail Blazers two days ago. The Pelicans beat the Grizzlies, 144-113, three days ago.
So I get why the oddsmaker has raised the Over/Under on these teams. I just don't agree with this big of a jump.
The Suns give up the eighth-fewest points in the NBA per game at 108. They are going to be extremely motivated to clamp down defensively for the entire game after losing their concentration and blowing a big lead against the Nets.
Stan Van Gundy has been unable to get the Pelicans to play consistent defense. New Orleans, however, is a below average but not terrible defensive club ranking 23rd giving up 114.5 points per game. The Pelicans also should have incentive to improve their defense after their previous performance.