The Mavericks shot 50 percent from the floor while also sinking 17 of 36 3-pointers for 47 percent. There were a combined 50 free throws. Yet the Mavericks and Clippers still went Under 217 1/2 in the Mavericks' 113-103 Game 1 victory. 

Now the total has opened a point shorter for this Game 2 matchup. Under still is the way to go. 

I expect the Clippers to tighten their defense, not giving the Mavericks nearly as many open looks as they did in Game 1. Luka Doncic was held to one point during the fourth quarter because the Clippers decided to fully concentrate on him forcing the rest of the Dallas players to beat them from the perimeter - which they did. I don't see the Mavericks repeating their outside shooting. LA gave up the fourth-fewest points during the regular season, while ranking sixth in 3-point defense. Kawhi Leonard is one of the premier defensive players in the NBA. 

Tempo is huge in handicapping a total. The Mavericks-Clippers Game 1 had the slowest pace of any playoff game. It took exceptional shooting by the Mavericks and a larger than expected number of free throws to even get it close to the projected total.