This total seems low, but remember that the Celtics and Cavaliers combined for just 148 points in Game 1. Thus, the oddsmakers adjusted this total by five points, but that may not be enough.
This certainly seems like a low total on the surface between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics. Underline the word surface because with these two teams it's a mountain of a total to reach.
The Celtics play great defense, especially at home. They are allowing an average of 76 points in five home playoff games. If LeBron James is cold, the Cavaliers have no other scoring options.
Cleveland has gone Under in 10 of their past 13 games. Cavaliers coach Mike Brown is all about defense. He's deficient when it comes to designing an effective offense. But his Cavaliers can play intense, tenacious defense.
The combined 148 points in Game 1 fell nearly 30 points short of this total. Yes, the oddsmaker has made a five-point adjustment in the total, but it's still not enough.
The Cavaliers shot just 30.7 percent from the floor in Game 1. James had a horrible game shooting. That may not change, though, with the Celtics ganging up on him while just paying lip service to the rest of the Cavalier bricklayers.
Cleveland did hit 22-of-26 (84.6 percent) of its free throws in the opening game. That high percentage isn't likely to hold up here in Game 2. The Cavaliers were 28th in free throw percentage during the regular season, converting 71.7 percent of their free throws.
The Celtics shot 42.6 percent from the floor. They made 14-of-18 (77.8 percent) of their free throws, which was right around their season average.
Going 'under' the total was the right play in Game 1. The bottom line is there is no reason to deviate from that thinking until proven otherwise.
Free Pick: Cavaliers, Celtics Under 177 (-110)