15* Mavs/Thunder NBA TV No-Brainer on UNDER 196

Dallas vs. Oklahoma City, 03/05/2012 20:00 EDT, Score: 91 - 95

Total: -105/+196 Under

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Win

The Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder are very familiar with one another after playing in the Western Conference Finals last season. They certainly know how to stop one another defensively, which has been evident in their first two meetings of the year.

Dallas won the first meeting at home 100-87 for 187 combined points on January 2nd, but would lose at home 86-95 for 181 combined points in their next meeting on February 1st. I fully expect this game to be played in the 180's once again as it stays well below the posted total tonight.

The Mavericks have been one of the best defensive teams in the league all season, but they are struggling to find the basket this year. The Mavs are scoring 94.2 points/game overall, including 91.5 points/game on the road. Dallas gives up just 91.3 points/game on the season and 91.6 points/game on the road. The Thunder only allow 94.3 points/game at home.

Oklahoma City is a perfect 7-0 to the UNDER after playing 2 consecutive games as a road favorite this season. The UNDER is 7-1 in Thunder last 8 games following a S.U. loss. The UNDER is 6-1 in Mavericks last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. These three trends make for a 20-2 (91%) system backing the UNDER. Plus, the UNDER is 12-4-1 in the last 17 meetings in Oklahoma City. Take the UNDER in this game Monday.