Rust, new faces and an early start time all work in favor of Under the total in this matchup.

Note this is an early West Coast starting time being a day game. There should be lots of defensive energy and potential rust on offense as the Clippers have been idle since Tuesday while the Bulls have been off the past two days. The extra time off should work in favor of the defense given additional practice and preparation.

The Clippers already have been through 16 different lineups and that number is rising today as newly acquired Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley are expected to make their LA debuts here. There's going to be an adjustment period as the Clippers work these two in while no longer having the outstanding, consistent scoring of Blake Griffin. Bradley also is an ace defender.

The Bulls are missing point guard Kris Dunn, who remains out with a concussion. Chicago is averaging 102 points in its last four games. The Bulls no longer have Nikola Mirotic, who was their leading scorer. He was traded to the Pelicans for a bunch of players who don't figure to make major offensive contributions.