The set-up: The Thunder look to get back on track here after a 114-112 loss at home to Minnesota on Sunday. It was the second game of a back-to-back and clearly OKC was tired in that one. The Rockets have looked a lot better of late and they enter off a 108-101 home win over San Antonio. OKC has taken two straight in this series, including a 98-80 home win in the first matchup on November 8th. While that contest was a low-scoring defensive affair, I think the overall conditions for this one set it up as a classic "shootout." Overall OKC averages 112 PPG, while allowing 105.6. The Rockets got out to the slow start and still only averaging 109.2 PPG, while allowing 108.5.

The pick: Take it for what you will though, but OKC has seen the total go "over" the number in 14 of its last 23 vs. poor defensive teams which allow 106 PPG, while Houston has seen the total go "over" in nine of its last 14 as a home favorite. This number is high, play the "over."

8* play