Toronto at New Orleans

Toronto began the year with a new desire to create an up-tempo running team. That plan seemed like a good idea, but they forgot the defensive part of that strategy, and gave up 100+ in 9 of 1st 10, while scoring 100+ in only 5 of 10. New Orleans got off to a very nice start going 8-3, but the offense has taken a skid. The last three games have seen them average only 81.3 ppg. That is good news for Toronto, because they have begun to play defense, and have begun to cover some games. They have suddenly held opponents to 89 ppg over the last three and have now covered 5 of 6. They are still looking for their first road win (0-7), but have covered 3 of last 4 on the highway, and stand a remarkable 27-13-3 ATS as a road dog. New Orleans after an ATS loss is now 6-20 ATS, and tonight will likely be without 2 of its top 3 scorers in Stojakovic and West. A team struggling to put up points as it is, makes us wonder where the points are gonna come from. Looks like a good spot for Toronto to pick up its 1st road win of the year, and we have a bit of a security blanket taking the points.