The Philadelphia 76ers (22-21) challenge the Chicago Bulls (18-29) at Wells Fargo Center. The game will air on WGN Channel 9 at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 24, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 218 points with Philadelphia opening as a 5-point favorite.
Chicago Bulls at Philadelphia 76ers Free Prediction
The Bulls are hoping for a better outcome after their 132-128 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans in their last contest. New Orleans’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Chicago. The Pelicans had a rate of 9.5 (better than their season average of 13.9), while the Bulls posted a mark of 18.3 (above their season average of 12.0). Jerian Grant was Chicago’s high scorer with 22 points on 6-for-7 shooting.
In the 76ers’ last matchup, they lost to the Memphis Grizzlies, 105-101. Memphis’ 11.4 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Philadelphia, who had a mark of 21.4. The Grizzlies’ mark was better than their season average of 13.0, while the 76ers’ was above their season average of 15.3. With 22 points on 7-for-11 shooting, Dario Saric was the top scorer from either team.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Philadelphia figures to have a significant edge. The 76ers defense ranks second in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.494), while the Chicago offense is ranked 26th in effective field goal percentage (0.505).
Chicago has a respectable 28-16-3 record against the spread (ATS), despite being 18-29 straight up (SU). Of the Bulls’ 47 games, 27 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia owns records of 22-21 SU and 24-19 ATS. Similarly to Chicago, 76ers games also have a tendency to go over the projected point total (55.8 percent).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the 76ers lost 117-115, unable to cover as 2-point favorites. Ben Simmons recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. The game finished with a total of 232 points, which was 22 points above the projected point total of 210 points. The Bulls’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the 76ers. Chicago had a rate of 13.0, while Philadelphia posted a mark of 16.8.
Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – 76ers, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Chicago is 15-8-1 ATS on the road with 16 overs and 8 unders.
Philadelphia is 12-8 ATS at home with 10 overs and 10 unders.
Philadelphia is 8-0 when they allow less than 100 points, while Chicago is 6-5.
When reaching 100 points, the Bulls are 16-13 and the 76ers are 20-14.
Philadelphia averages 47.4 rebounds per game, which ranks first in the league. Chicago ranks 27th in rebounds allowed per game (45.8).
The 76ers rank third in assists per game (25.8) while the Bulls rank 28th in assists allowed per game (25.2).
Chicago ranks eighth in steals allowed per game (7.1) while Philadelphia ranks last (9.3).
The 76ers rank fifth in second chance points per game (13.9) while the Bulls rank 27th (10.1).
Philadelphia ranks eighth in blocks per game (5.1) while Chicago ranks 29th (3.7).
The 76ers rank seventh in points in the paint per game (47.1) while the Bulls rank 26th (41.4).
Chicago ranks 14th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.5) while Philadelphia ranks 28th (20.0).
The 76ers average 29.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 15th in the league. The Bulls rank 28th in three pointers allowed per game (31.4).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Chicago is 5-0 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Philadelphia is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Bulls have outscored opponents by an average of 3.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Chicago has been defeated by an average of 5.1 points.
During their last five games, the 76ers have scored an average of 105.2 points per game (3.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 100.8 points per game (6.3 below their season average).
