The set-up: The Bulls upset the Pelicans at home a couple weeks ago. These teams are similar in many respects. They're both filled with young and raw talent that likes to get out and push the pace and where defense is mostly an after-thought. The Bulls won that game at home and the total did indeed go "over" as well. This is the Bulls final game before the break, while the Pels have a much more high-profile final contest at home tomorrow night against the Heat. Situationally this one definitely sets up as more of a defensive affair.

The pick: Note as well though that Chicago has seen the total dip "under" the number in eight of its last 11 after allowing 115 or more points in a SU/ATS home loss in its last outing, while New Orleans has seen the total go "under" in seven of its last ten home games in trying to revenge an in-season loss vs. an opponent in which it allowed 125 or more points in. This can still be a high-scoring game and stay well "under" this sky-high number and that's exactly what I'm expecting here.

This is a 10* TOTAL PLAY-BOOK on the UNDER Bulls/Pelicans.