The Chicago Bulls (4-12) welcome the league leading Toronto Raptors (12-4) to the United Center. The game can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 17, 2018.
Toronto Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls ATS Prediction
The last time the Raptors played, they were topped by the Boston Celtics, 123-116, but they did cover as 9.5-point underdogs. The game’s total points (239) finished well over the projected point total of 221.5. Boston’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Toronto. The Celtics had a rate of 0.579 (above their season average of 0.504), while the Raptors posted a mark of 0.474 (below their season average of 0.549). Kawhi Leonard was Toronto’s high scorer with 31 points on 11-for-25 shooting.
The Bulls got blown out by the Milwaukee Bucks in their last game, 123-104. They were unable to cover as 13-point underdogs. The total points for the game (227) finished over the projected point total of 212.5. Milwaukee out-rebounded Chicago. The Bucks had more offensive rebounds (11 vs. four), defensive rebounds (44 vs. 32) and total rebounds (55 vs. 36). Chicago’s Justin Holiday put up 20 points in the game.
After the Raptors won all four meetings against the Bulls last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Toronto won 122-98. Toronto had a better offensive rebounding percentage (11.6 vs. 8.2). Chicago, on the other hand, did a great job of converting from the charity stripe (16-20; 80.0 percent).
Toronto holds records of 12-4 straight up (SU) and 8-7 against the spread (ATS). Of the Raptors’ 15 games with betting action, 10 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Chicago is 4-12 SU and 8-7 ATS. Contrary to Toronto, Bulls games have typically gone under the O/U total (66.7 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Pascal Siakam (19.8 points) has been great for the Raptors while Jabari Parker (15.6 points and 7.4 rebounds) has contributed greatly to the Bulls.
Points at the line could be rare for Chicago in this showdown. The Bulls rank 25th in the NBA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.183, while Toronto ranks fifth in FTA rate allowed (0.184). Additionally, the Raptors rank third in offensive efficiency (112.4), while the Bulls rank 24th in defensive efficiency (109.5).
Toronto Raptors at Chicago Bulls Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Bulls, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Toronto is 4-2 ATS with 3 overs and 3 unders.
At home, Chicago is 5-3 ATS with 6 unders and 2 overs.
In contests where they hold opponents under 100 points, Chicago is 2-1 and Toronto is 1-0.
When scoring more than 100 points, the Raptors are 12-4 and the Bulls are 2-8.
Toronto ranks ninth in blocks allowed per game (4.9) while Chicago ranks 26th (6.8).
The Raptors rank fourth in points in the paint per game (53.5) while the Bulls rank 21st (45.8).
Toronto averages 46.4 rebounds per game, which ranks 11th in the NBA. Chicago ranks 28th in rebounds allowed per game (49.8).
The Raptors rank ninth in three pointers attempted per game (33.3) while the Bulls rank 25th in three pointers allowed per game (34.8).
Toronto ranks fifth in steals per game (8.9) while Chicago ranks 19th in steals allowed per game (8.2).
The Raptors rank 14th in second chance points per game (13.3) while the Bulls rank 28th (9.6).
Toronto averages 24.6 assists per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Chicago ranks 23rd in assists allowed per game (24.3).
The Raptors rank third in fast break points per game (18.9) while the Bulls rank 16th (12.2).
Toronto averages 18.8 points off turnovers per game, which ranks eighth in the NBA. Chicago ranks 17th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.5).
Bettings Trends:
Over its last five games, Toronto is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Chicago is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over its last five games.
The Raptors have scored an equal number of points as their opponents. For the season, Toronto has defeated opponents by an average of 6.4 points.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 96.2 points per game (8.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 108.4 points per game (4.5 below their season average).
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