Stephen Nover Free Monday NBA Play
(NBA) Cleveland vs. Washington, 02/06/2017 2:00 PM, Score: 140 - 135
Total: 220.00 | -105.00 Over
Result: Loss
Not only is this the Wizards' most important game of the season, but it's their biggest home game in years. Packed crowd. Nationally televised. Amped up 100 percent to play the defending world champion Cavaliers. Yes, I could envision the Wizards being tight under the pressure and spotlight. Things they're not normally accustomed to.

But I'm not going to fade the Wizards at home where they have won 17 in a row.

Instead I'm going under the total.

Sure there's star power in this matchup headed by LeBron James and John Wall, having his finest season. That's why the total is high. Lost among the glitter, though, is the solid defense both Cleveland and Washington have been playing.

The Wizards have held their last five opponents to an average of 96 points. The Cavaliers have permitted an average of 99 points in their past four games.

The teams met back in Washington on Nov. 11 in their lone matchup this season. The Cavaliers won, 105-94, for a total of 199 points. Kyrie Irving led the Cavaliers with 29 points. Irving is questionable having missed the Cavaliers' previous game because of a sore quad.

(Editor's note: In addition to this free selection, Stephen Nover has his NBA Game of the Week going Monday. The long-time NBA guru is 10-5 on his last 15 NBA over/unders and has won his past three NBA premium sides plays.)