The set-up: Two struggling teams collide on Tuesday night and in my opinion, this one has "offensive fireworks" written ALL over it. Phoenix enters having won two straight, most recently getting 25 points from Kelly Oubre Jr in a victory over the Hornets. Phoenix is only 16-23, but it's only 1.5 games back for eighth spot in the West. The Suns are talented offensively and they actually lead the league in assists. The issue has been on the defensive end, which clearly doesn't bode well heading to ATL and facing the hungry and high-scoring Hawks. ATL won't be lacking for motivation here either, as it's on a four-game losing streak. Whether Trae Young plays or not tonight, I'm expecting the home side to push the pace from start to finish as it looks to exploit this weak Suns' defense.

The pick: Note as well that Phoenix has seen the total go over the number in seven of its last ten non-conference games, while Atlanta has seen the total soar above the posted number in nine of 14 in the same position. Considering the strong situational and trend based factors listed above, I do indeed think this number is low.

10* NON-CONF TOTAL OF THE YEAR is on the OVER Suns/Hawks.