This is an 8* SITUATIONAL TOTAL on the UNDER Pels/Pistons.

The Pelicans come in having seen the total go OVER the number in three straight, which is significant to note here, as New Orleans has in fact seen the total go UNDER the number in five of its last six after playing to three or more straight OVERS in a row.

The Pels beat Detroit 104-98 at home as an 11-point favorite back in early December, unable to cover the 11-point spread, but the total staying well UNDER the posted number of 228.5. I'm expecting a similar final combined score here as well with New Orleans doubling down defensively after losing three of its last four, including a blowout setback at Boston 124-114 in the most recent.

Detroit comes in having seen the total go OVER in three straight as well, including in a rare offensive-explosion and home victory in a 135-118 victory over the Wolves in the most recent.

The situation and the numbers/trends all point to the UNDER as the correct call in this one.

Good luck, NP