The set-up: Charlotte enters off a strong 113-103 road win over Detroit and I'm expecting a similar type defensive performance here as well. Cleveland comes in off a listless 99-98 road loss to Chicago. The Hornets are averaging 116.5 PPG and they're allowing 109.2. The Cavs are averaging only 103.3 PPG and they're allowing 113.1.

The pick: Take it for what you will, but Charlotte has seen the total go "under" the number in five of six already this year against teams with losing records. The Cavs have difficulty scoring on the best of days, but with the visitors looking to control the pace of this one, I expect this total to fall "under" once it's all said and done.