Houston at Golden State

Houston was soft on defense last year but is outstanding this season at #11 in the league in points allowed, and #8 in field goal shooting defense allowing .442% shooting. They are also second at defending the three-pointer. Houston turns up the defensive intensity against good teams at 6-2 UNDER the total against a team with a winning record. Golden State is third at defending the three-pointer and #1 in field goal shooting defense, allowing .421% shooting. They just held Denver to 79 points in Monday's easy win. Golden State is 4-1 UNDER the total at home and 10-4 UNDER the total playing on one day of rest. When these teams meet the UNDER is 6-2 in the last eight meetings, so look for far more defense than oddsmakers expect. Play this one UNDER the total.