The Chicago Bulls (24-50) will try to snap their six-game losing streak when they clash with the Miami Heat (40-35) at AmericanAirlines Arena. The game will air on WGN Channel 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 29, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 210.5 points with Miami opening as a 13-point favorite.
Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat Betting Prediction
In the Bulls’ last outing, they were thoroughly outplayed by the Houston Rockets, 118-86. Houston’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Chicago. The Rockets had a rate of 8.9 (better than their season average of 12.2), while the Bulls posted a mark of 15.7 (above their season average of 11.8). Chicago’s Noah Vonleh played well, putting up 10 points and 12 rebounds.
The Heat dismantled the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last contest, 98-79. Miami’s 0.532 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Cleveland, who had a rate of 0.388. The Heat’s mark was above their season average of 0.522, while the Cavaliers’ was below their season average of 0.549. With 15 points, nine rebounds and five assists, James Johnson had a good outing for Miami.
Miami appears to have the edge on the defensive side of the ball. The Heat currently rank seventh in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.508), while Chicago is 29th in effective field goal percentage (0.497).
Chicago comes into the contest with records of 24-50 straight up (SU) and 36-35-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the Bulls’ 74 games, 40 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Miami owns records of 40-35 SU and 39-32-4 ATS. Unlike Chicago, just over half of Heat games have finished under the total.
The Heat have won two out of three against the Bulls this season, but dropped their most recent game, 119-111. Miami covered as a 2-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 230 points, which was 23 points above the projected point total of 207 points. The Bulls had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (16.3 vs. 9.5) and had a better turnover percentage (8.4 vs. 12.9). Justin Holiday scored a game-high 25 points.
Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat ATS Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Heat, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Chicago is 17-19-1 ATS on the road with 22 overs and 15 unders.
At home, Miami is 16-18-2 ATS with 18 unders, 16 overs and 2 pushes.
In games where they allow below 100 points, Miami is 24-6 and Chicago is 6-6.
In games where they score over 100 points, the Heat are 28-17 and the Bulls are 22-24.
Miami ranks third in three pointers allowed per game (26.1) while Chicago ranks 29th (32.2).
The Heat rank third in assists allowed per game (20.7) while the Bulls rank 29th (25.8).
Miami ranks seventh in blocks per game (5.2) while Chicago ranks 29th (3.6).
The Bulls rank 14th in fast break points per game (11.7) while the Heat rank 28th (8.9).
Miami ranks 13th in rebounds allowed per game (42.7) while Chicago ranks 27th (45.7).
The Heat rank 17th in points off turnovers per game (16.2) while the Bulls rank 28th (14.6).
Miami ranks 15th in points in the paint per game (44.2) while Chicago ranks 25th (41.8).
The Bulls rank third in steals allowed per game (7.1) while the Heat rank 11th (7.5).
Chicago ranks 23rd in second chance points per game (11.5) while Miami ranks 25th (10.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Chicago is 0-5 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Miami is 3-1-1 ATS with 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push over their last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 23.6, up from 7.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Heat have scored an average of 114.4 points per game (11.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 107.2 points per game (4.4 above their season average).
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