This is a 10* TOTAL EXPRESS on the UNDER between the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers.

While we are primarily a situationally based handicapping service, we don't prescribe to any one single methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account a bunch of different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. The actual contestants on the field of play rarely enter into our equation when making selections, unless it's a Top 3 player like a LeBron James or Aaron Rodgers etc. One set of criteria which we almost always use when making our decisions, are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics. Sometimes these stats can be overrated and other times they help foreshadow the outcome of a contest.

This particular play is based on a few different factors:

- Motivation: It's still early in the season, but the East is a packed one and these two conference foes know it'll be a fight down to the wire; we expect this focus to translate into aggressiveness on the defensive side of the ball tonight. Note that the Top 10 in the East are separated by no more than five games, with these two teams just a half game apart.

- Recent History: The last time these team's played against each other, Indiana secured a 94-82 win in Detroit back on November 3rd.

- ATS Stats: Note that Detroit has seen the total go UNDER the number in five of eight this year after a win by ten points or more and in 11 of 19 vs. teams with winning records. And note that Indiana has seen the total dip below the posted number in seven of its last 11 after scoring 105 points or more and in four of six off an upset loss as a favorite.

The Bottom Line: In our professional opinion, all signs do indeed point to the UNDER as the savvy move in this contest.

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