15* Knicks/76ers ESPN Wednesday No-Brainer on UNDER 190.5

New York vs. Philadelphia, 03/21/2012 19:00 EDT, Score: 82 - 79

Total: -110/+190½ Under

Sportsbook: TopBet

Result: Win

The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers play in a crucial Atlantic Division showdown tonight. New York trails Philly by four games, and I expect both teams to be laying it all on the line tonight. In my opinion, that will lead to a defensive battle as points will be hard to come by.

The Knicks have won four straight games to get within striking distance of the 76ers. They've done so with tremendous defense, holding their last four opponents to an average of just 88.5 points/game. Interim head coach Mike Woodson has put an emphasis on playing better defense, and his players have certainly responded.

Philadelphia is one of the best defensive teams in the league this season. They limit opponents to just 87.7 points/game overall, including 84.2 points/game at home. Considering Philly only averages 93.7 points/game at home, they are combining with their opponents to average 177.9 points/game in all home games. That's a far cry from the 190.5-point total set tonight.

The 76ers are 23-8 to the UNDER in their last 31 home games, and the Knicks are 20-8 to the UNDER in their last 28 road games. Phillly is 9-1 to the UNDER in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season. The UNDER is 20-6 in Knicks last 26 games following a S.U. win. The UNDER is 20-6 in 76ers last 26 games as a home favorite. Take the UNDER in this game Wednesday.