The set-up: The Rockets had their hands full with the Thunder, who did everything they could to slow down the pace of their series. Houston now faces a Lakers team which finished as one of the best defensive clubs during the regular season. All of that said though, I definitely think that Game 1 sets up as a faster-paced contest and I look for this total to eclipse the number sooner, rather than later.

The pick: And note, recent and long-term history between the clubs would support this theory, as other than Houston's 113-97 win over the Lakers on August 6th in the bubble (which went "under" the number), their previous nine encounters had all flown "over" the posted number. I think LA benefits from the few extra days off, with Lebron and company getting the spring back into their legs. And I expect Houston to push the pace and shoot a lot of 3 balls. In the end and when you add it all up, all signs do indeed point to the "over" as the correct call in my opinion!

The is a 10* TOTAL PLAY-BOOK on the OVER Rockets/Lakers.