These are two good defensive teams. Now throw in playoff intensity, an early start time and how well acquainted they are with each other and you have the winning formula for an Under.

The Nets are a top-10 defensive team. They ranked fourth in defensive field goal percentage, too. That's not good news for James Harden. He's healthy at last. But Harden is more methodical rather than up-tempo. He holds the ball a long time taking time off the clock. Both teams rated in the bottom 10 in terms of pace.

Philadelphia had the third-stingiest defense. The 76ers rank fifth in 3-point defense. If you discount a 123-point performance against the hapless Pistons, the Nets are averaging 102.6 points in their last three games.

These teams have had six days to study each other's sets and tendencies, something they already know. They're familiar with the plays they run. This is Game 1, a feeling out process. It's an early start, too.

So don't expect a high-scoring game.