The set-up: The Raptors come in off a heart-breaking last second loss to Portland in which Carmelo Anthony hit the winning shot with just one second remaining. After that low-scoring setback and playing the second game of the back to back on the road, I think the visitors come out flat footed here. The Hornets won two in a row before a double-digit setback to the Pacers last time out. This is going to be a matchup of backcourts tonight. With the offense running through the point, I think from a situational stand point this one sets up as a lower-scoring affair.

The pick: Note as well that Toronto has already seen the total go under the number in five of six this year as a road favorite of six points or less, while Charlotte has seen the total dip below the posted number in eight of 12 this season as a home dog of six points or less. The situation and the numbers/trends all point to the under as the correct call in this one.

10* TOTAL ELITE OF THE ELITE on the UNDER Raptors/Hornets.