This is a 10* TOTAL BK on the UNDER Wolves/Mavs.

These teams have been involved in several higher-scoring games of late, but I expect those trends to end this evening.

Minnesota is 17-5, including 7-4 on the road, while Dallas is 15-8, including 7-4 at home. This is the first meeting of the year between the clubs.

The Wolves had their five-game win streak ended last time out in a 121-107 setback at new Orleans. Four of their last five have gone OVER the number.

Dallas has won four straight. It's seen the total go OVER in five straight, which is important for us to take note of as the Mavericks have in fact seen the total go UNDER the number in eight of their last 12 after playing to five or more straight OVERS in a row.

I think these two teams are doing better right now than most thought they would be at this point of the season. Granted, we're still just getting going, but certainly the Wolves dominating like they are is a little unexpected.

Either way, I'm anticipating a spirited battle here between these two Western Conference leaders, but more of a defensive one than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe.

This number is high, the play is the UNDER.

Good luck, NP