Talkin' totals: NBA's hottest under teams
By Alex Smart
Charlotte Bobcats (4-12-1 over/under)
The Bobcats have been a bettor’s dream when placing a wager on the under. And that’s despite it being just 2-2 over/under in the past four games.
NBA handicappers need not worry. The two recent overs were against poor defensive teams and one of those games went into overtime. The extended absence of shooting guard and leading scorer Jason Richardson certainly contributed to Charlotte’s offensive struggles. But even his return shouldn’t change this strong betting trend.
The Bobcats simply aren’t an efficient offensive team, averaging a league-worst 89.3 points per game. They're not getting the production from Matt Carroll and Emeka Okafor that they need to start putting up big numbers. Combine that with allowing the third-least amount of points per game and that’s a recipe for under wagers to cash.
Philadelphia 76ers (4-10-2 over/under)
Pro cappers couldn’t have predicted that the Sixers would be on this list before the season began. Not when they were able to acquire Elton Brand, keep Andre Iguodala and get production from Thaddeus Young.
But Philadelphia’s offense is out of whack and as a result is one of the worst scoring teams in the league. Four of Philadelphia’s past six games have gone under with the other two pushing with the total.
San Antonio Spurs (6-10 over/under)
When you’re consistently one of the best defensive teams in the league, there’s a good chance that most of your games are going to land under the total.
The Spurs rank 26th in the league in points per game and were without the services of All-Stars Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili for the majority of the season. While both players have recently returned, San Antonio’s style of play and an expected period of adjustment to the new rotation should keep the under train rolling.
New Orleans Hornets (6-9 over/under)
Probably the most surprising team to find its way on this list. New Orleans has yet to click offensively. Chris Paul has been terrific, but his teammates haven’t been nearly as consistent. Tyson Chandler in particular. He’s scoring average dropped by three points and is currently shooting under 60 percent.
If he finishes at his current clip, it would be the first time Chandler fired under 60 percent since joining New Orleans. The Hornets’ defense has been very good. Their games have landed under the number seven times in the past 10, but just 3-3 in the last six contests.
Chicago Bulls (7-9-1 over/under)
When Luol Deng’s averaging less than 13 points per game and shoots under 40 percent from the floor, you’re bound to have some problems. Luckily for the Bulls, rookie Derrick Rose is even better than advertised and is scoring and making his teammates better.
But with injuries to Larry Hughes and Kirk Hinrich and a serious lack of production from their young big men, the under should remain a solid pick in the Windy City.