The Chicago Bulls (6-20) square off with the Utah Jazz (13-14) at United Center. The game will air on WGN Channel 9 at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 13, 2017.
Utah Jazz vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Prediction
The Jazz are trying to rebound after their 117-100 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in their last matchup. Milwaukee’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Utah. The Bucks had a rate of 10.6 (better than their season average of 12.6), while the Jazz posted a mark of 14.8. Rudy Gobert led Utah in scoring with 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting.
The last time the Bulls played, they dismantled the Boston Celtics, 108-85. The Bulls knocked down 18 of their 25 free throws (72.0 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 8.0 (better than their season average of 12.4). Nikola Mirotic was the game’s leading scorer with 24 points on 9-for-14 shooting.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball security could play an integral role in this showdown. Chicago commits the fourth-fewest miscues in the league (turnover percentage of 13.4 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Utah forces the second-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 16.9 percent). Furthermore, the Jazz, who rank 22nd in offensive rebounding percentage (20.2 percent), could have a tough time getting second chance points against the Bulls, who rank third in defensive rebounding percentage (81.0 percent).
Utah holds records of 13-14 straight up (SU) and 15-12 against the spread (ATS). Jazz games have a slight tendency to go over the projected point total (48.1 percent).
Meanwhile, Chicago is 6-20 SU and 12-11-3 ATS. Games including the Bulls tend to go under the total (57.7 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Donovan Mitchell (28.6 points, 4.0 assists and 1.4 steals) has been stellar for the Jazz while Kris Dunn (15.2 points, 8.0 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 2.0 steals) has contributed greatly to the Bulls.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Derrick Favors scored a game-high 23 points in the first game, in which the Jazz defeated the Bulls 110-80, covering as 9-point favorites. He also recorded seven rebounds. The game finished with a total of 190 points, which was 5.5 points below the projected point total of 195.5 points. The Jazz had a much better turnover percentage (6.9 vs. 15.6) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.547 vs. 0.404).
Utah Jazz at Chicago Bulls Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Bulls, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Utah is 4-7 ATS on the road with 6 overs, 4 unders and 1 push.
Chicago is 5-5-2 ATS at home with 9 unders and 3 overs.
Chicago is 3-5 when they allow less than 100 points, while Utah is 8-2.
The Bulls are 5-6 when they reach the century mark, while the Jazz are 11-6.
Utah ranks second in points off turnovers per game (19.6) while Chicago ranks 28th (13.7).
The Jazz rank second in assists allowed per game (18.7) while the Bulls rank 26th (24.3).
Utah ranks second in steals per game (9.8) while Chicago ranks 23rd (6.9).
The Jazz rank seventh in blocks per game (5.2) while the Bulls rank 26th (3.7).
Utah ranks fifth in three pointers allowed per game (26.2) while Chicago ranks 22nd (30.1).
The Bulls rank 10th in rebounds per game (44.5) while the Jazz rank 26th (40.0).
Utah ranks fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (40.7) while Chicago ranks 14th (42.8).
The Jazz rank second in fast break points allowed per game (8.4) while the Bulls rank 10th (10.6).
Chicago ranks fourth in second chance points allowed per game (10.4) while Utah ranks 10th (11.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Utah is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Chicago is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Jazz’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, up from 3.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 103.6 points per game (6.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 101.8 points per game (4.2 below their season average).
