The set-up: Both teams are hungry for victories here obviously. Toronto is 1-3, while New Orleans is 3-2. The Pelicans have amazingly seen the total go "under" in all five of their games this year and suffice it to say, I expect that lop-sided trend to end this evening. Toronto comes in with momentum finally after beating New York 100-83 at home last time out. The Raptors have been consistently inconsitent to open up, so they'll definitely be looking to push the pace here vs. the high-flying Pels.

The pick: I'm expecting the home side to try and get the Raptors out of their comfort zone and that means pushing the pace from start to finish. Note that New Orleans has seen the total go "over" the number in eight of its last 11 home games after allowing 80 points or less in its last outing (smashed OKC 113-80 on New Year's Eve.) Look for this total to fly "over" the number sooner, rather than later.

This is a 10* NON-CONFERENCE TOTAL OF THE YEAR on the OVER Raptors/Pelicans.