Portland at Dallas

Portland made one of the biggest comebacks in NBA Playoffs history, outscoring the Mavs 35-15 in the final stanza of game four to even the series at two games apiece. This becomes a huge, pivotal game and I expect both teams to bring their "A" game focus to the defensive end of the court. There is a long history that supports those thoughts. Playoffs series that are tied have an overwhelming propensity to play tough on the defensive end in first halves of games, leading to a 234-158 ATS mark to the UNDER the last 392 times it has taken place. This season, the Trailblazers are 26-15 UNDER in the first-half vs. good shooting teams like Dallas (those making 46%+ FG). Side with the defense and play the first half UNDER in this one.