You know me. I don't care who wins. I care how many points go up on the board. Friday's hoops slate has a few totals worth a look, and here are the three I like.
Hawks at Bulls: Over 245.5
5:10 PM PT / 8:10 PM ET
Yeah, 245.5 is a big number. I usually stay away from totals this high. But look at who's playing.
These two teams rank first and second in the NBA in pace. Chicago has the worst defensive rating in the league at 124.2, and Atlanta's defense isn't much better. The Over has hit in seven of the Hawks' 12 games, and the Bulls haven't had a home game go under yet this year (3-0-1 to the Over).
When two teams this fast meet and neither one wants to guard, I'm not going to fight it.
Big Mike's pick: Over 245.5
Thunder at Clippers: Under 222.5
7:40 PM PT / 10:40 PM ET
This one's about who isn't playing. OKC is without Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace and Jaylin Williams, and Ajay Mitchell is a game-time call with a sprained ankle. The Clippers are still missing Brandon Ingram, Bradley Beal and Jordan Miller.
On top of that, the Thunder are on their third game in four nights after a back-to-back in Portland. Tired legs and a short bench usually mean missed jumpers late. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can still drop 35, but I don't think either team has enough healthy scoring around its stars to get this one past 222.
Big Mike's pick: Under 222.5
No. 12 Arizona at Auburn: Under 158.5
6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET · Neville Arena · ESPN2
Arizona has real firepower. Ivan Kharchenkov is averaging about 25 points a game, and big man Motiejus Krivas dropped 30 on Cal Poly. But this is the Wildcats' first true road test, and Neville Arena is a tough place to play.
Auburn games at home this year have averaged under 140 total points, and the Tigers have leaned almost entirely on Tahaad Pettiford for scoring. Early-season road game, a hostile crowd and a one-man offense on the other side? That's a recipe for some ugly possessions. I'll take the Under at this number.
Big Mike's pick: Under 158.5
The bottom line
Totals move just like spreads do, especially in the NBA when injury news drops an hour before tip. Check the number and the injury report right before you bet. If one of these totals moves more than a couple of points, the value might be gone.
Lines as of 3:09 PM PT, Fri Nov 13, 2026, via The Odds API (consensus of US books); lines move. Notes drawn from reporting by VSiN, Clippers On SI, DK Network and Lineups.com.
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