Phoenix at Los Angeles

This is a high total because Phoenix is all about going uptempo -- just not lately, on a 4-2 run UNDER the total.  They are off their best defensive effort in four weeks, holding San Antonio to 61 points. And this game means nothing to both teams except keeping their best players healthy, as both have their first-round playoff series already set. The Mercury have gone 9-3 since firing coach Corey Gaines and replacing him with Russ Pennell. Pennell has emphasized better defense, with the team allowing 56, 58 and 61 points in three of the games he coached -- the best defensive marks of the entire season. The UNDER is 5-0-1 in the Mercury's last six games playing on one day's rest. Los Angeles has an extra day of rest, and the UNDER is 5-1 in the Sparks' last six games playing on two days rest, plus they are 12-5 UNDER the total against the Western Conference. Play Phoenix/Los Angeles UNDER the total.