Like all other games, it depends on the match-ups. This year I am making a strong effort to avoid totals unless over 95% of my factors fall into place and my efforts to date have been rewarded (mostly sides). The number that always gets me to look is 7' and lower - other than that, no thank you, not this season.
it depends what line you bet the over 8.5 at but assuming -110 you made a better bet on the over 8.5 as moving from 8 to 8.5 is worth around 20 cents (according to michael murray's book). The 8 isn't as key a number as 7 or nine because games tied at 3-3 or 4-4 will automatically hit at least 7 or 9.
