The Oklahoma City Thunder are still fighting for their lives in the Western Conference playoff race. They hold a slim 2.5 game lead on the Pelicans, and they trail Dallas by just three games. They host the Mavs tonight, in a game with massive playoff implications. I would expect both these teams to be playing a little harder on defense tonight, and the number looks a little high all things considered.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous History - Five of the last eight in this series have failed to go over the total, but the listed number for tonight's game is actually higher than it was in any of the last 10 meetings. These teams have played four straight unders at Oklahoma City.

2. Injuries - When we look at averages and trends, many of the numbers are based on games when both teams are at full strength. With Kevin Durant out for the Thunder, and Monta Ellis sidelined for Dallas, those numbers aren't a fair comparison.

3. X-Factor - The under is 6-0 in Mavericks last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Selection: This is a play on the Mavs@Thunder to go UNDER the total(8*)