The set-up: If you're watching and wagering on this game, then the story lines and the cast of characters are well known to you. These are two of the most "covered" teams in the NBA over the last few years and their strengths and weaknesses are well known to even a casual NBA fan. I'm not here to to give you a player by player break down, I'm here to tell you why I think this particular game is going to go "over" the number. The Warriors have looked disinterested all year and they suffered a big blow when Boogie Cousins went down with injury in the first round. The Warriors are going to have to rely on their precise three-point shooting to overwhelm teams and they're going to be forced to match pace with a Rockets team out to avenge last years Western Conference Finals loss. Clearly Houston won't be sitting back and trying to play defensively. Overall I expect a faster paced game and that means mores shots and more shots = more points.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Houston has seen the total go over the number in all four games its played in this year in trying to revenge a close loss of three points or less vs. an opponent, while GS has seen the total go over in four of its last five as a home favorite of six points or less. This number is low, play the over.

HOU/GSW OVER

10* play