The Chicago Bulls (2-7) go head-to-head with the Houston Rockets (2-5) at the United Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 3, 2018, and will air on WGN Channel 9.
Houston Rockets vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Prediction
In the Rockets’ last game, they beat the Brooklyn Nets, 119-111, as 4.5-point underdogs. The game’s total points (230) came in over the projected point total of 223.5. The Rockets had a solid free throw rate of 0.265 (above their season average of 0.165) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 27.5 (above their season average of 23.9). With 32 points on 13-for-27 shooting, Chris Paul was the top scorer from either team.
The Bulls lost a tough one against the Indiana Pacers in their last outing, 107-105, but were able to cover as 8-point underdogs. The total points for the game (212) finished under the O/U total of 221. Converting at the free throw line was one of Indiana’s largest strengths. They were 20-22 (90.9 percent), while the Bulls were just 8-9 (88.9 percent). Chicago’s Zach LaVine finished with 20 points, six rebounds and five assists in the game.
The Rockets won both contests against the Bulls last season. In the last game, Houston won 118-86. The Rockets had a much better turnover percentage (8.9 vs. 15.7) and had a better free throw rate (0.194 vs. 0.112).
Houston heads into the game with records of 2-5 straight up (SU) and 1-5 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to place the total low when the Rockets are involved, as four of their six games have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Chicago is 2-7 SU and 4-4 ATS. Vegas is highly precise when predicting totals of Bulls games, with an even split between overs and unders.
It could be a tough matchup for Chicago on the offensive glass. The Bulls rank 30th in offensive rebounding percentage (20.4 percent), while Houston ranks fourth in defensive rebounding percentage (79.7 percent) dating back to the 2017-18 season. Furthermore, the Rockets rank second in offensive efficiency (111.6), while the Bulls rank 30th in defensive efficiency (110.2).
Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Bulls, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Chicago is 9-6 and Houston is 38-3.
When reaching the century mark, the Rockets are 73-18 and the Bulls are 25-33.
Houston ranks first in three pointers attempted per game (41.8) while Chicago ranks 29th in three pointers allowed per game (33.0).
The Rockets rank fifth in steals per game (8.4) while the Bulls rank 29th (7.5).
Houston ranks sixth in blocks allowed per game (4.5) while Chicago ranks last (5.3).
The Rockets rank seventh in second chance points allowed per game (11.7) while the Bulls rank 29th (11.5).
Houston ranks seventh in rebounds allowed per game (42.6) while Chicago ranks 28th (45.8).
The Bulls rank fifth in assists per game (23.6) while the Rockets rank 26th (21.1).
Houston ranks 12th in points off turnovers per game (16.8) while Chicago ranks last (14.9).
The Bulls rank 13th in points in the paint per game (42.1) while the Rockets rank 29th (41.3).
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