The Chicago Bulls (22-43) will try to put an end to their nine-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Atlanta Hawks (20-46) at Philips Arena. The game starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 11, 2018, and will air on WGN Channel 9.
Atlanta opened as a 3-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 215 points.
Chicago Bulls at Atlanta Hawks ATS Prediction
The last time the Bulls played, they were defeated by the Detroit Pistons, 99-83. Detroit’s 0.173 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Chicago, who had a mark of 0.086. The Pistons’ mark was above their season average of 0.170, while the Bulls’ was below their season average of 0.167. Kris Dunn put together a solid performance for Chicago, putting up 13 points.
The Hawks were blown out by the Indiana Pacers in their last contest, 112-87. Indiana’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Atlanta. The Pacers had a rate of 23.7 (above their season average of 22.3), while the Hawks posted a mark of 13.0 (below their season average of 22.0). With 12 points and five rebounds, Mike Muscala put together a good game for Atlanta.
It could be a tough game for Atlanta on the offensive glass. The Hawks currently rank 17th in offensive rebounding percentage (21.9 percent), while Chicago ranks second in defensive rebounding percentage (80.8 percent). Moreover, the Bulls commit the fifth-fewest errors in the NBA (turnover percentage of 13.0 percent), while the pesky defense of the Hawks causes the most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.5 percent).
Chicago heads into the contest with records of 22-43 straight up (SU) and 32-30-3 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the total of Bulls games, with 34 overs compared to 31 unders.
Meanwhile, Atlanta is 20-46 SU and 33-31-2 ATS. Contrary to Chicago, just over half of Hawks games have finished under the O/U total.
The Bulls have emerged victorious in both matchups against the Hawks this year, including a 113-97 victory the last time these teams met. Chicago covered as a 2-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 210 points, which was 7 points below the projected point total of 217 points. Chicago did a fantastic job of making free throws (19-21; 90.5 percent). Atlanta, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (17.0 vs. 10.0). Robin Lopez was the game’s top overall scorer with 20 points.
Chicago Bulls at Atlanta Hawks Odds Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Hawks, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Chicago is 15-16-1 ATS with 19 overs and 13 unders.
At home, Atlanta is 18-16 ATS with 16 overs, 16 unders and 2 pushes.
Chicago is 6-6 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Atlanta is 9-4.
When scoring more than 100 points, the Bulls are 20-20 and the Hawks are 18-25.
Atlanta ranks first in points off turnovers per game (18.6) while Chicago ranks 26th (14.8).
The Bulls rank fifth in steals allowed per game (7.1) while the Hawks rank 28th (8.7).
Chicago ranks seventh in rebounds per game (44.7) while Atlanta ranks 26th (41.0).
The Bulls average 23.4 assists per game, which ranks 11th in the league. The Hawks rank last in assists allowed per game (25.9).
Atlanta ranks 10th in three pointers attempted per game (30.2) while Chicago ranks 26th in three pointers allowed per game (31.4).
The Hawks rank 21st in blocks per game (4.4) while the Bulls rank last (3.7).
Chicago ranks 16th in fast break points per game (11.4) while Atlanta ranks 23rd in fast break points allowed per game (13.0).
The Bulls rank 26th in points in the paint per game (41.3) while the Hawks rank 27th (40.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Chicago is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Atlanta is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 push over their last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.0, down from 6.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hawks have scored an average of 101.2 points per game (2.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 109.2 points per game (0.9 above their season average).
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