The Chicago Bulls (13-24) challenge the Toronto Raptors (25-10) at United Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, and will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 216 points with Toronto opening as a 5-point favorite.
Toronto Raptors at Chicago Bulls Betting Prediction
The Raptors come in on a high note after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in their last matchup, 131-127. The Raptors had 8 steals and had a free throw rate of 0.297 (above their season average of 0.212). Toronto received a boost from DeMar DeRozan, who was the game’s high scorer with 52 points on 17-for-29 shooting.
In the Bulls’ last matchup, they were beaten by the Portland Trail Blazers, 124-120. Portland’s 6.5 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Chicago, who had a mark of 9.5. The Trail Blazers’ mark was better than their season average of 13.0. With 18 points and 10 rebounds, Chicago’s Nikola Mirotic had a good game.
Chicago might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they go head-to-head against one of the NBA’s best defenses. Toronto ranks fifth in defensive efficiency, while the Bulls rank 29th in offensive efficiency.
Toronto heads into the game with records of 25-10 straight up (SU) and 20-15 against the spread (ATS). Of the Raptors’ 35 games, 18 have finished under the total.
Chicago has a solid record ATS (21-13-3), despite being 13-24 SU. In opposition of Toronto, Bulls games have gone over the total 54.1 percent of the time.
The Raptors have won both contests against the Bulls this season, including a five-point victory the last time these teams met. Toronto was unable to cover as a 12-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 233 points, which was 32.5 points above the projected point total of 200.5 points. Toronto made 13 of its 25 three pointers (52.0 percent). Chicago, meanwhile, did a great job of converting from the free throw line (23-28; 82.1 percent). Bobby Portis had a double-double in the defeat, with 21 points and 13 rebounds.
Toronto Raptors at Chicago Bulls Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Toronto is 11-9 ATS with 11 unders and 9 overs.
At home, Chicago is 10-6-2 ATS with 11 unders and 7 overs.
When allowing below 100 points, Chicago is 5-5 and Toronto is 11-3.
When reaching 100 points, the Raptors are 24-5 and the Bulls are 11-9.
Toronto ranks first in points off turnovers per game (19.5) while Chicago ranks 29th (14.1).
The Raptors rank second in blocks per game (5.9) while the Bulls rank 29th (3.6).
Toronto ranks fifth in points in the paint per game (47.7) while Chicago ranks 25th (40.2).
The Raptors rank third in three pointers allowed per game (25.9) while the Bulls rank 22nd (30.0).
Chicago ranks seventh in second chance points allowed per game (11.3) while Toronto ranks 26th (13.5).
The Raptors rank seventh in rebounds allowed per game (41.9) while the Bulls rank 26th (45.5).
Toronto ranks fifth in steals per game (8.8) while Chicago ranks 23rd (7.0).
The Raptors rank 11th in assists per game (22.9) while the Bulls rank 27th in assists allowed per game (24.5).
Toronto averages 14.1 fast break points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. Chicago ranks 17th in fast break points allowed per game (11.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Toronto is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Chicago is 4-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Raptors’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.2, down from 7.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 111.2 points per game (10.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 107.6 points per game (1.0 above their season average).
