Stephen Nover's NBA Total of the Month
(NBA) Houston vs. Golden State,
Total: 212.00 | -110.00 Under
Result: Loss
I understand that these two powerhouse offenses have combined to score only 192 and 187 points, respectively, during the past two games. Hence now we have the lowest total of the series by far in this Game 6.

This low total, though, isn't just dictated by how the previous two games have played out with a slow tempo, but by Chris Paul being out with a hamstring injury.

This is the time to go Over and Paul's injury is a big reason why.

It was to the Rockets' advantage to slow the pace relying on superstars Paul and James Harden. Paul would hold the ball for long stretches during most possessions either seeking Harden on a pick-and-roll, or taking it to the hoop himself when the 24-second clock was winding down. This type of isolation basketball is what Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni was seeking.

It's not going to happen anymore with Paul out. The Rockets are going to have to beat the Warriors by firing up 3-pointers. They have the players to do that with Harden, Eric Gordon, who is playing extremely well, Trevor Ariza, Ryan Anderson, P.J. Tucker and Gerald Green. Their style is to fire at will, which they will do without Paul to orchestrate the offense. Harden is way overdue to have a strong shooting game having missed 20 of 23 3-point shots during the last two games.

Golden State has dropped two in a row in part because it has been relying too much on Kevin Durant and getting away from its normal ball-sharing, excellent ball movement ways. Look for the Warriors to revert back to their style of game now that they are returning home. They are averaging 115 points during their past five games at Oracle Arena. The Rockets are forced to change their style and it leaves them vulnerable to the Warriors' dominant transition game.

The pace should be much faster in this game and the shooting much better.