The Golden State Warriors (36-9) look to continue their 13-game road winning streak in a matchup against the Chicago Bulls (17-27) at United Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, and will air on WGN Channel 9.
Golden State is a 10-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 230 points.
Golden State Warriors vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Prediction
The Warriors come in on a high note after topping the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last contest, 118-108. The Warriors made 24 of their 30 free throws (80.0 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 29.5 (above their season average of 21.4). With 32 points on 9-for-16 shooting, Kevin Durant was Golden State’s high scorer.
In the Bulls’ last game, they were victorious over the Miami Heat, 119-111. The Bulls held the Heat to an offensive rebounding percentage of 9.5 (below their season average of 20.1) and had a turnover percentage of 8.4 (better than their season average of 12.0). Justin Holiday was the game’s high scorer with 25 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
The ineffective offense of Chicago will battle against the stingy defense of Golden State. The Bulls rank 28th in offensive efficiency, while the Warriors are third in defensive efficiency. The Warriors should have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Golden State comes into the game with records of 36-9 straight up (SU) and 21-23-1 against the spread (ATS). Warriors games have a tendency to go over the projected point total (55.6 percent).
Chicago has a solid record ATS (25-16-3), despite being 17-27 SU. Much like Golden State, Bulls games also have a tendency to go over the total (59.1 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Draymond Green (14.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.2 assists) has been fantastic for the Warriors while Lauri Markkanen (19.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals) has made great contributions to the Bulls.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Stephen Curry scored a game-high 33 points and the Warriors beat the Bulls 143-94, covering as 16-point favorites. He also recorded seven rebounds. The game finished with a total of 237 points, which was 25.5 points above the projected point total of 211.5 points. The Warriors knocked down 21 of their 21 free throws (100.0 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.670 vs. 0.419).
Golden State Warriors vs. Chicago Bulls Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Warriors, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Golden State is 12-11 ATS with 14 overs and 9 unders.
At home, Chicago is 12-8-2 ATS with 11 overs and 11 unders.
Chicago is 5-5 when they allow under 100 points, while Golden State is 11-2.
The Warriors are 33-6 when they score above 100 points, while the Bulls are 15-11.
Golden State ranks first in blocks per game (8.0) while Chicago ranks 28th (3.8).
The Warriors average 30.6 assists per game, which ranks first in the NBA. The Bulls rank 28th in assists allowed per game (25.0).
Golden State ranks eighth in points off turnovers per game (17.4) while Chicago ranks 28th (14.3).
The Warriors rank seventh in rebounds allowed per game (42.0) while the Bulls rank 27th (45.5).
Golden State ranks 11th in points in the paint per game (45.3) while Chicago ranks 27th (40.5).
The Bulls rank 12th in second chance points allowed per game (11.8) while the Warriors rank 28th (13.8).
Golden State ranks first in fast break points per game (21.2) while Chicago ranks 17th (10.4).
The Warriors rank 11th in three pointers attempted per game (29.6) while the Bulls rank 24th in three pointers allowed per game (30.8).
Chicago averages 7.0 steals per game, which ranks 23rd in the NBA. Golden State ranks 24th in steals allowed per game (8.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Golden State is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Chicago is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Warriors’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.4, down from 9.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 108.2 points per game (5.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 115.2 points per game (6.9 above their season average).
