The Minnesota Timberwolves (8-11) clash with the Chicago Bulls (5-14) at the Target Center. The game can be seen on WGN Channel 9 at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 24, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 216.5 points with Minnesota set as a 10-point favorite.
Chicago Bulls at Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Prediction
In the Bulls’ last outing, they were beaten by the Miami Heat, 103-96, and failed to cover as 1.5-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (199) finished well under the projected point total of 217.5. Miami’s 12.2 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Chicago, who had a rate of 14.9. The Heat’s mark was better than their season average of 13.5, while the Bulls’ was above the 11.7 mark opponents have averaged against Miami this season. Justin Holiday was the game’s high scorer with 27 points on 9-for-16 shooting.
The Timberwolves beat the Brooklyn Nets in their last game, 112-102, comfortably covering as 1-point favorites. The game’s total points (214) finished under the O/U total of 219.5. Minnesota’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Brooklyn. The Timberwolves had a rate of 6.6 (better than their season average of 12.3), while the Nets posted a mark of 16.6 (above their season average of 11.9). With 16 points and 11 rebounds, Minnesota’s Taj Gibson had a good outing.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Timberwolves won the most recent game 122-104. The Timberwolves had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (20.8 vs. 8.9) and had a better turnover percentage (9.4 vs. 12.4).
Chicago holds records of 5-14 straight up (SU) and 9-9 against the spread (ATS). Oddsmakers tend to place the total high when the Bulls are involved, as 11 of their 18 contests have finished under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is 8-11 SU and 8-10 ATS. Much like Chicago, games featuring the Timberwolves also have typically gone under the total (66.7 percent).
Jabari Parker has averaged 17 points,7.6 rebounds,3.4 assists over the last five games for Chicago.
Chicago may struggle to create turnovers. Minnesota ranks eighth in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 13.2 percent), while Chicago forces the ninth-fewest turnovers (13.6 percent). Moreover, the Bulls, who rank 21st in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.187), will battle against the Timberwolves, who rank fourth in opponents’ FTA rate (0.179).
Chicago Bulls vs. Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Chicago is 3-5 ATS on the road with 4 overs and 4 unders.
At home, Minnesota is 6-4 ATS with 6 unders and 4 overs.
In games where they allow under 100 points, Chicago is 2-1 and Minnesota is 2-0.
The Timberwolves are 8-7 when they score more than 100 points, while the Bulls are 3-8.
Minnesota averages 9.7 steals per game, which ranks second in the NBA. Chicago ranks 24th in steals allowed per game (8.6).
The Timberwolves rank 14th in blocks per game (5.4) while the Bulls rank 28th in blocks allowed per game (7.1).
Minnesota ranks 11th in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.9) while Chicago ranks 25th (18.9).
The Timberwolves rank 13th in second chance points per game (13.9) while the Bulls rank 26th (9.7).
Minnesota averages 29.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 19th in the league. Chicago ranks 28th in three pointers allowed per game (34.7).
The Timberwolves rank 20 in rebounds per game (43.526315789473685) while the Bulls rank 29 in rebounds allowed per game (49.1578947368421).
Minnesota averages 15.842105263157896 fast break points per game, which ranks 7 in the league. Chicago ranks 15 in fast break points allowed per game (14).
The Timberwolves rank 17 in assists per game (23.210526315789473) while the Bulls rank 24 in assists allowed per game (24.63157894736842).
Bettings Trends:
Over its last five outings, Chicago is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Minnesota is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over its last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 17.2, up from 9.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 103.8 points per game (5.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 100.2 points per game (12.6 below their season average).
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