What a Total Is
An over/under sets a combined statistical threshold. In a game total, both teams contribute to the final score. If the total is 47.5, the over wins at 48 or more and the under wins at 47 or fewer.
What Moves Totals
Pace, efficiency, starting pitchers or goalies, weather, injuries, lineups and expected game script can all affect totals. The important variables depend on the sport.
Player and Team Totals
The same concept applies to team totals and player props: the market posts a threshold and the outcome finishes above or below it.
Price Still Matters
Two identical totals can have different prices. Comparing only the threshold without the attached odds misses part of the decision.
