The Chicago Bulls (26-51) clash against the Charlotte Hornets (34-44) at United Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, and will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 216 points with Charlotte opening as a 5.5-point favorite.
Charlotte Hornets at Chicago Bulls ATS Prediction
The last time the Hornets played, they were topped by the Philadelphia 76ers, 119-102. Philadelphia made 14 of their 32 three pointers (43.8 percent), while Charlotte was 9-30 (30.0 percent). Willy Hernangomez played well for Charlotte, contributing 15 points and 11 rebounds.
The Bulls easily got past the Washington Wizards in their last matchup, 113-94. Chicago’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Washington. The Bulls had a rate of 0.634 (above their season average of 0.495), while the Wizards posted a mark of 0.506. Lauri Markkanen was the game’s high scorer with 23 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
It could be a tough game for Chicago on the offensive glass. The Bulls currently rank 25th in offensive rebounding percentage (20.6 percent), while Charlotte ranks first in defensive rebounding percentage (80.9 percent). Additionally, the Hornets rank second in turnover percentage (12.2 percent), while the Bulls rank 28th in opponents’ turnover percentage (12.8 percent).
Charlotte holds records of 34-44 straight up (SU) and 31-43-4 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has been spot on when setting the O/U total of Hornets games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Meanwhile, Chicago is 26-51 SU and 39-35-3 ATS. Contrary to Charlotte, a little over half of Bulls games have finished over the O/U total.
The Bulls have won two out of three against the Hornets this season, but fell short the last time these two teams met, 118-103. Chicago covered as a 12-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 221 points, which was just 4 points above the projected point total of 217 points. Charlotte had a better turnover percentage (13.3 vs. 18.1). Chicago, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (27.5 vs. 15.4). In the victory, Kemba Walker led all scorers with 31 points.
Charlotte Hornets at Chicago Bulls Free Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Charlotte is 14-21-3 ATS with 20 unders, 17 overs and 1 push.
At home, Chicago is 20-16-2 ATS with 19 overs and 19 unders.
When allowing below 100 points, Charlotte is 12-3 and Chicago is 8-6.
In games where they score more than 100 points, the Bulls are 23-24 and the Hornets are 33-21.
Charlotte ranks third in rebounds per game (45.4) while Chicago ranks 27th in rebounds allowed per game (45.7).
The Bulls rank ninth in assists per game (23.5) while the Hornets rank 28th (21.3).
Chicago ranks sixth in three pointers attempted per game (31.1) while Charlotte ranks 20th in three pointers allowed per game (30.2).
The Hornets rank 14th in points off turnovers per game (16.3) while the Bulls rank 27th (14.6).
Chicago ranks 14th in fast break points per game (11.7) while Charlotte ranks 27th (9.0).
The Hornets rank 19th in blocks per game (4.5) while the Bulls rank 29th (3.6).
Chicago ranks 21st in steals per game (7.5) while Charlotte ranks 28th (6.9).
The Hornets rank first in second chance points allowed per game (10.5) while the Bulls rank sixth (11.3).
Charlotte ranks 21st in points in the paint per game (43.7) while Chicago ranks 25th (41.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Charlotte is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Chicago is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Hornets’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.2, up from 0.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 95.2 points per game (7.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 102.8 points per game (6.7 below their season average).
*****
