This is a 10* WEST-CONF TOW on the UNDER Blazers/Rockets.

Both teams have been involved in several higher-scoring games of late, but I'm anticipating a much more defensive battle here finally on Monday between these Western Conference opponents on Monday night.

Portland is just 8-25 on the road this season. It comes in off six straight losses. It's seen the total go OVER in five straight after its most recent 114-111 loss at home to Denver, but note that the Blazers have in fact seen the total go UNDER the number in seven of their last ten after playing to five or more straight OVERS in a row.

The Rockets are arguably the hottest team in the league right now with eight straight victories. Most recently it was a 147-119 win over Utah. Houston has also seen the total eclipse the posted number in five straight games, but note that the Rockets have seen the total go UNDER the number in four of their last five after playing to five or more straight OVERS in a row.

These teams played to a higher-scoring OVER just at the start of the month in the Rockets 123-107 win at Portland, but all signs point to a much tighter and lower-scoring UNDER this time around.

Good luck, NP