Both games in this series have gone well under the given total in each game. Nothing has changed in both games to indicate more points will be scored, at least not enough to go over the total. The pace is not there and the defense is too strong to allow more points. Dallas will have to slow the game down if they want to win so that means less possessions and more rundown of the clock on shots as they jockey for open looks. Whether Porzingis is in or not, Boston will lock down on defense. Both teams are not shooting their best at the 3 point line which is a testament to the smothering defensive coverage in this game and that should continue in this game, and points in the paint will be a struggle too. The total has gone Under in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas. These games have become ugly , slow grinders and this third game is not the spot to try an over. All teams where the total is greater than or equal to 200 like Dallas, off of two or more consecutive road losses, a good team with a winning percentage between 60% to 75%, playing a team with a winning record, the game will go under the total 61.4% of the time since 1996 according to NBA databases. Dallas is 11-1 to the Under when the total is 210 to 219.5 this season. The value is in taking the under the total.

Best bet: take the Under the Total