The Dallas Mavericks (1-1) challenge the Chicago Bulls (0-2) at American Airlines Center. The game will air on NBC Sports Chicago at 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday, October 22, 2018.
Chicago Bulls at Dallas Mavericks Betting Prediction
Although the Bulls were beaten by the Detroit Pistons in their last matchup, 118-116, they were able to cover as 5-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (234) came in well over the projected point total of 217. Detroit’s rebounding was their biggest strength. The Pistons had more offensive rebounds (18 vs. five) and total rebounds (49 vs. 41). Zach LaVine was the game’s leading scorer with 33 points on 12-for-21 shooting.
The last time the Mavericks played, they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 140-136, covering as 2-point favorites. The total points for the game (276) were well over the projected point total of 220.5. Dallas out-rebounded Minnesota. The Mavericks had 15 offensive rebounds and 42 total rebounds, while the Timberwolves had six and 33, respectively. With 22 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks, DeAndre Jordan had a good game for Dallas.
Dallas could put on a ball-control clinic in this contest. Since last season, Dallas ranks second in the NBA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.0 percent), while Chicago has forced the fourth-fewest turnovers (12.9 percent).
Since last season, the Bulls are 27-57 straight up (SU) and 45-45 against the spread (ATS). Since last season, games involving Chicago have gone under the O/U total 56.7 percent of the time.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, have records of 25-59 SU and 44-39-1 ATS since last season. Dallas’ games have had a tendency to finish under the O/U total over that same time frame (56.0 percent).
The Bulls won both matchups against the Mavericks last season. In the most recent game, Chicago won 108-100. Chicago had a better turnover percentage (11.7 vs. 15.4). Dallas, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of converting from the free throw line (17-21; 81.0 percent).
Chicago Bulls vs. Dallas Mavericks Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Mavericks, ATS Winner – Mavericks, O/U – Under
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Dallas is 16-13 and Chicago is 8-6.
When scoring above 100 points, the Bulls are 24-28 and the Mavericks are 19-29.
Dallas ranks third in three pointers attempted per game (33.0) while Chicago ranks last in three pointers allowed per game (32.8).
The Mavericks rank fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.5) while the Bulls rank 24th (5.2).
Chicago ranks eighth in rebounds per game (44.6) while Dallas ranks 27th (41.2).
The Bulls rank 10th in fast break points allowed per game (11.3) while the Mavericks rank 26th (14.5).
Dallas ranks first in points off turnovers allowed per game (13.8) while Chicago ranks 16th (16.4).
The Mavericks average 22.8 assists per game, which ranks 14th in the NBA. The Bulls rank 29th in assists allowed per game (25.9).
Dallas ranks third in points allowed in the paint per game (42.1) while Chicago ranks 14th (44.5).
The Bulls are 26th in the league with 11.1 second chance points per game while the Mavericks are 29th with 10.5 second chance points per game.
*****
