Portland at New Orleans

Portland really improved its defense this season to fifth in the NBA in points allowed, and fourth in field goal shooting defense. Down 2-0 in the series and heading out on the road, they will have to lean on that defense in Game 3. Damian Lillard has struggled in this series, averaging 17.5 points on 13-of-41 shooting. Portland is 10-4 UNDER the total when playing on one day of rest and has gone six straight games UNDER against winning teams. New Orleans finished ninth in field goal shooting defense during the regular season, and eighth at defending beyond the arc. Anthony Davis has been a defensive force in this series, averaging 13.5 rebounds, three steals and two blocks. The Pelicans are 9-2-1 UNDER the total against winning teams, plus 8-3 UNDER after allowing 100+ points in their previous game. With the UNDER 5-2-1 when these teams clash, look for more defense than offense with so much at stake. Take the UNDER.