15* NBA Tuesday Total ANNIHILATOR on Warriors/Pacers UNDER 202

Golden State vs. Indiana, 02/28/2012 19:00 EDT, Score: 78 - 102

Total: -110/+202 Under

Sportsbook: DSI

Result: Win

The Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers will take part in a defensive battle tonight that doesn't reach 200 combined points. Oddsmakers have inflated this total quite a bit in a game that I believe will be played in the high 180's or low 190's.

Golden State head coach Mark Jackson has brought a defensive-minded approach to the Warriors. While their defensive numbers (100.7 PPG allowed) won't "wow" you, it's certainly a huge improvement over the types of numbers they have posted over the last decade. This team can defend, and they will certainly miss Stephen Curry (foot) offensively as he is listed as doubtful.

Indiana has been one of the better defensive teams in the league all season. They score 95.5 points and give up 92.5 points for an average combined score of 188.0 points/game. As you can see, that average is well below the posted total tonight. I look for the Pacers to control the tempo at home tonight and to slow it down.

These teams met once already this season with Indiana beating Golden State 94-91 on the road for 185 combined points. That total was set at 193.5 going in, so I just see no way oddsmakers can justify setting this total all the way up above 200 points. The clear value is with the UNDER in this one.

Indiana is 16-4 UNDER in home games when playing 4 or less games in 10 days over the last 3 seasons. Golden State is 41-25 UNDER revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons. The UNDER is 11-5-1 in Pacers last 17 home games. The UNDER is 13-4 in Warriors last 17 vs. NBA Central. The Warriors are 51-32 UNDER in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 200 over the last 3 seasons. Roll with the UNDER in this game Tuesday.