The set-up: These teams are similar. They've both under-performed and they're both in need of a win. Each struggles with offense at times and both are terrible on the defensive end. Each will also view this as a contest that they can win tonight and because of that, I'm expecting an all out battle from start to finish. And then ultimately I believe this sense of extreme competition will help in keeping this total well below the posted number. Note that both teams also come in off beatdown losses, with the Suns falling 123-110 to the Hawks, while the Knicks dropped a 128-102 contest to the Bucks. Situationally this one definitely sets up as a lower-scoring under in my opinion.

The pick: Note as well that Phoenix has seen the total dip under the number in three of its last four after failing to cover the spread in five or more consecutive games, while NY has seen the total go under in ten of 14 as a home dog this season. This number is a tad high.

10* TOTAL ELITE OF THE ELITE on the UNDER Suns/Knicks.