Pelicans-Warriors Total Is Highest Ever in NBA Playoffs

The Highlights

• Warriors-Pelicans Game 3 opened with a total of 230.5.
• Behind professional action, the total has been bet up to 232.5.
• The highest playoff total in our database is 231 from Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals.

Pinnacle opened the total for Tuesday's Game 2 between the Pelicans and Warriors at 227, and behind 61% of dollars taking the over, the number closed at 229. Golden State ultimately won the game, 121-116, pushing the final score over the closing total.

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At 229, Game 2 closed as the fourth-highest playoff total in Bet Labs' database, which tracks NBA betting data since the start of the 2005 season. With that game sailing over the closing number, oddsmakers across the market opened the total for Friday's Game 3 at 230.5, tied with Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals for the highest playoff opener we've ever tracked. In that game, oddsmakers eventually adjusted the total up to 231, making it the highest playoff closing total in our database.

Below is a list of the five highest NBA playoff totals since 2005:

Since the total for Game 3 opened, public bettors are relatively split, with 54% of tickets playing the under. However, sharp bettors are not scared of this historically high total.

Not only are 91% of dollars wagered on the over, but Sports Insights' Bet Signals triggered a Steam Move Thursday afternoon at 230.5 that immediately drove the number up to 232. Over money has continued to flow since then, forcing oddsmakers to bump the total to the current number of 232.5, easily the highest playoff total in our NBA database.

Top Photo: Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) celebrates with forward Andre Iguodala (9) against the New Orleans Pelicans