The Chicago Bulls (4-11) will try to slow down the league’s top scoring team when they clash against the Milwaukee Bucks (10-4) at Fiserv Forum. The game will air on ESPN at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday, November 16, 2018.
Milwaukee opened as a 13.5-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 223 points.
Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks Free Prediction
The Bulls are hoping for a better outcome after not being able to cover as 13-point underdogs in their 111-82 loss to the Boston Celtics in their last outing. The total points for the game (193) finished well under the projected point total of 212.5. Boston’s 11.9 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Chicago, who had a mark of 20.0. The Celtics’ mark was worse than their season average of 11.5, while the Bulls’ was above their season average of 13.0. Shaquille Harrison was Chicago’s leading scorer with 16 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
In the Bucks’ last game, they lost a tough one to the Memphis Grizzlies, 116-113, despite being 9.5-point favorites. The total points for the game (229) finished well over the projected point total of 213. Memphis’ turnover percentage was the team’s biggest strength over Milwaukee. The Grizzlies posted a mark of 11.4 (stronger than their season average of 12.0), while the Bucks had a rate of 14.7. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a good game for Milwaukee, leading both teams in scoring with 31 points on 10-for-14 shooting.
After splitting four games last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. The Bucks won the most recent game 118-105. Milwaukee had a much better turnover percentage (5.0 vs. 12.6). Chicago, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.0 vs. 17.1).
Chicago holds records of 4-11 straight up (SU) and 8-7 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Bulls have a tendency to finish under the total (66.7 percent).
Meanwhile, Milwaukee is 10-4 SU and 8-6 ATS. Unlike Chicago, games involving the Bucks tend to go over the total (78.6 percent).
Wendell Carter Jr. has averaged 12.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.8 blocks over the last five games for Chicago.
The high-octane offense of Milwaukee (second in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 113.8) will clash against the bottom-tier defense of Chicago (23rd in the NBA with a defensive efficiency of 109.0). The Bucks figure to have the advantage on that end of the court. Furthermore, the Bulls, who rank 30th in offensive rebounding percentage (17.2 percent), will battle against the Bucks, who rank second in defensive rebounding percentage (80.5 percent).
Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks Odds Pick
NBA Pick: SU Winner – Bucks, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Chicago is 3-4 ATS with 4 unders and 3 overs.
At home, Milwaukee is 5-2 ATS with 6 overs and 1 under.
Milwaukee is 2-0 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Chicago is 2-1.
The Bulls are 2-7 when they score over 100 points, while the Bucks are 10-4.
Milwaukee ranks second in rebounds per game (51.1) while Chicago ranks 28th in rebounds allowed per game (49.4).
The Bucks average 6.5 blocks per game, which ranks second in the league. The Bulls rank 27th in blocks allowed per game (6.7).
Milwaukee ranks second in three pointers attempted per game (40.1) while Chicago ranks 25th in three pointers allowed per game (34.2).
The Bucks rank second in assists per game (26.9) while the Bulls rank 23rd (21.7).
Milwaukee ranks third in points in the paint per game (55.4) while Chicago ranks 18th (46.3).
The Bucks rank 11th in points off turnovers per game (17.6) while the Bulls rank 26th (14.5).
Milwaukee ranks first in fast break points allowed per game (9.6) while Chicago ranks 14th (13.2).
The Bucks rank first in second chance points allowed per game (10.7) while the Bulls rank 13th (12.7).
Bettings Trends:
In its last five games, Chicago is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Milwaukee is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over its last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.2, up from 7.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bucks have scored an average of 119.4 points per game (1.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 117.4 points per game (7.3 above their season average).
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