PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's NBA Tuesday Totals Crusher - 9-0-1 Last 10 Basketball Totals!
(NBA) Phoenix vs. Miami,
Total: 215.50 | -106.00 Under
Result: Win
Total: 215.50 | -106.00 Under
Result: Win
This spot is fraught with danger for Phoenix. The Suns open a four-game road swing after a highly-satisfying burial of the Lakers two days ago, drawing a semi-desperate Heat squad looking to halt a three-game losing skid.
But rather than get involved picking a side, I'm opting to go with the total in this matchup because I believe Under is the best way to go.
Miami is a defensive-minded team built to win in that fashion, not by shootouts. Only three teams in the NBA allow fewer points per game than the Heat. Only one has a better defensive field goal percentage. The Heat have held eight of their last 10 opponents to fewer than 100 points during regulation.
The Heat have two added veteran ace defenders back in their rotation: recently acquiredTrevor Ariza and Andre Iguodala back from a hip injury. Jimmy Butler is healthy, too. Butler is noted for his offense, but he's also a strong defender. It's a plus for the Under if offensive-minded Goran Dragic remains sidelined.
The Suns rank in the top three both in scoring defense and defensive field goal percentage. They have held three of their past four opponents to fewer than 102 points. Miami is 27th in scoring and 28th in 3-point shooting.
I see this as a playoff-type game with a lot of defensive intensity and slow tempo.
But rather than get involved picking a side, I'm opting to go with the total in this matchup because I believe Under is the best way to go.
Miami is a defensive-minded team built to win in that fashion, not by shootouts. Only three teams in the NBA allow fewer points per game than the Heat. Only one has a better defensive field goal percentage. The Heat have held eight of their last 10 opponents to fewer than 100 points during regulation.
The Heat have two added veteran ace defenders back in their rotation: recently acquiredTrevor Ariza and Andre Iguodala back from a hip injury. Jimmy Butler is healthy, too. Butler is noted for his offense, but he's also a strong defender. It's a plus for the Under if offensive-minded Goran Dragic remains sidelined.
The Suns rank in the top three both in scoring defense and defensive field goal percentage. They have held three of their past four opponents to fewer than 102 points. Miami is 27th in scoring and 28th in 3-point shooting.
I see this as a playoff-type game with a lot of defensive intensity and slow tempo.