This is a 10* ATLANTIC DIV. TOM on the UNDER Knicks/Raptors.

These teams have been involved in several higher-scoring games of late, but I say the conditions are now correct for much more of a defensive affair as the eyes of the Basketball World turn to this lone game North of the border on Monday night.

Toronto is 7-17 after back-to-back losses. It's coming off the 125-118 home loss to Dallas, but note that looking back the Raptors have seen the total go UNDER in eight of their last 11 off a SU home loss in which they conceded 125 or more points in.

New York just had its four-game win streak snapped in a poor 120-111 loss at home to Detroit. The Knicks have seen the total go OVER in three straight, but looking back NY has seen the total dip below the posted number in four of its last five after playing to three or more straight OVERs in a row.

With both teams looking to bounce back, I am predicting a much grittier and defensive battle than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe.

This number is high, the play is the UNDER.

Good luck, NP