This is a 10* TOTAL BK on the UNDER Lakers/Celtics.

Both teams have been involved in several higher-scoring games of late, but I'm anticipating much more of a defensive affair here finally on Thursday.

LA is 25-25, but just 7-17 on the road, while Boston is 37-11, including 22-2 at home.

The Lakers opened their road-trip with a 145-144 OT win at Golden State, but they've since lost two in a row at Houston and Atlanta. They play with revenge here after the 126-115 X-Mas Day loss, and note that LA has seen the total go UNDER the number in seven of its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent.

Boston is off a 129-124 home win over the Pacers. The Celtics have lost three straight against the spread, but that's significant to note here as the C's have in fact seen the total go UNDER the number in eight of their last 12 after three or more straight ATS setbacks in a row.

With each team doubling down on the defensive end like I expect, all signs do indeed point to the UNDER as the correct call in this one.

Good luck, NP