The Chicago Bulls (0-3) seek their first win when they meet the Charlotte Hornets (2-2) at United Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, and will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
Charlotte opened as a 3-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 231.5 points.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Prediction
The Hornets are hoping for a better outcome after not being able to cover as 8.5-point underdogs in their 127-106 loss to the Toronto Raptors in their last contest. The game’s total points (233) finished over the projected point total of 225. Toronto’s 0.661 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Charlotte, who had a mark of 0.469. The Raptors’ mark was above their season average of 0.535, while the Hornets’ was below their season average of 0.540. Kemba Walker was the top scorer from either team with 26 points on 11-for-22 shooting.
The last time the Bulls played, they were beaten by the Dallas Mavericks, 115-109. They failed to cover as 5-point underdogs. The game’s total points (224) finished under the projected point total of 229. Dallas won the rebounding battle. The Mavericks had 13 offensive rebounds and 41 total rebounds, while the Bulls had seven and 34, respectively. With 34 points on 11-for-15 shooting, Zach LaVine was the game’s high scorer.
It could be a tough game for Chicago on the offensive glass. Dating back to last season, the Bulls rank 26th in offensive rebounding percentage (20.4 percent), while Charlotte ranks first in defensive rebounding percentage (80.5 percent). The Hornets should be expected to protect the ball well. They rank 3rd at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.2 percent), while the Bulls have forced the fourth-fewest turnovers in the league (opponents’ turnover percentage of 12.9 percent).
The Hornets have had records of 38-48 straight up (SU) and 38-45-3 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Vegas has been fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Charlotte games since last season with 46 overs compared to 40 unders.
On the other hand, the Bulls, have records of 27-58 SU and 45-46 ATS since last season. Games involving Chicago have gone under the O/U total 57.1 percent of the time over that same stretch.
The Bulls won three out of four matchups against the Hornets last season. In the last matchup, Chicago won 120-114. Chicago had a much better turnover percentage (6.1 vs. 17.6). Charlotte, meanwhile, did an excellent job of making free throws (21-28; 75.0 percent).
Charlotte Hornets at Chicago Bulls Odds Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
In games where they allow below 100 points, Chicago is 8-6 and Charlotte is 14-3.
The Hornets are 37-25 when they score above 100 points, while the Bulls are 24-29.
Charlotte ranks fourth in rebounds per game (45.4) while Chicago ranks 27th in rebounds allowed per game (45.8).
The Hornets rank 10th in second chance points per game (13.2) while the Bulls rank 26th (11.2).
Chicago ranks 10th in assists per game (23.5) while Charlotte ranks 26th in assists allowed per game (24.8).
The Hornets rank third in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.6) while the Bulls rank 16th (16.5).
Chicago ranks 15th in fast break points per game (11.6) while Charlotte ranks 28th (9.3).
The Hornets rank 18th in blocks per game (4.7) while the Bulls rank last (3.6).
Chicago averages 30.9 three pointers per game, which ranks seventh in the league. Charlotte ranks 19th in three pointers allowed per game (30.3).
The Bulls rank 20th in steals per game (7.5) while the Hornets rank 29th (6.8).
Charlotte ranks 18th in points in the paint per game (43.7) while Chicago ranks 26th (42.0).
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