The set-up: Two of the top teams in the West get ready to battle and I think that points will be at a premium in the end. The Clippers enter off a 112-106 road win over Memphis, while Denver won 114-104 in Dallas on Friday. Denver has won two of three meetings between the clubs already this year, including a 121-100 home win in the most recent. I'm expecting another hard-fought and similar final combined score here as well. From situational and recent history stand points, I absolutely feel that this one sets up as more of a defensive affair this evening.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well though, but LA has already seen the total go "under" the number in 13 of its last 19 as a road underdog, while Denver has seen the total go "under" in nine of its last 12 after scoring 110 points or more in two straight games. This number is high, play the "under."

10* play