The Washington Wizards (20-16) square off against the Chicago Bulls (13-22) at Capital One Arena. The game starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 31, 2017, and will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 213 points with Washington opening as a 7-point favorite.
Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards Betting Prediction
The last time the Bulls played, they topped the Indiana Pacers, 119-107. Chicago’s 0.612 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Indiana, who had a rate of 0.500. The Bulls’ mark was above their season average of 0.492. With 32 points on 11-for-17 shooting, Lauri Markkanen was the game’s high scorer.
The Wizards easily got past the Houston Rockets in their last game, 121-103. Washington’s 27.0 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Houston, who had a rate of 18.6. The Wizards’ mark was above their season average of 22.5. Otto Porter Jr. was the game’s leading scorer with 26 points on 9-for-16 shooting.
Washington should have the advantage on the defensive side of the ball. The Wizards rank seventh in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.510), while Chicago is 28th in effective field goal percentage (0.495).
Chicago has a solid record against the spread (20-12-3), despite being 13-22 straight up (SU). Just over half of the Bulls’ games have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Washington owns records of 20-16 SU and 18-18 ATS. Vegas is known to place the total high when the Wizards are involved, as 23 of their 35 games have ended under the projected point total.
Kelly Oubre Jr. has averaged 13.2 points over the last five games for Washington.
After the Wizards won three out of four matchups against the Bulls last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last contest, Washington won 112-107. Washington had a much better turnover percentage (8.6 vs. 15.8). Chicago, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.7 vs. 25.5).
Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Wizards, ATS Winner – Wizards, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Chicago is 10-7-1 ATS on the road with 12 overs and 6 unders.
Washington is 7-10 ATS at home with 9 unders, 7 overs and 1 push.
When allowing under 100 points, Washington is 13-1 and Chicago is 5-5.
When reaching 100 points, the Wizards are 17-7 and the Bulls are 11-7.
Washington ranks seventh in points off turnovers per game (18.1) while Chicago ranks 28th (14.3).
The Wizards rank eighth in assists allowed per game (21.5) while the Bulls rank 25th (24.4).
Chicago ranks ninth in rebounds per game (44.7) while Washington ranks 24th in rebounds allowed per game (44.0).
The Wizards rank 12th in second chance points per game (12.9) while the Bulls rank 25th (10.5).
Washington ranks 20th in points in the paint per game (41.9) while Chicago ranks 27th (39.8).
The Wizards rank 22nd in blocks per game (4.3) while the Bulls rank 28th (3.6).
Chicago ranks 13th in three pointers attempted per game (29.7) while Washington ranks 19th in three pointers allowed per game (29.4).
The Wizards rank 14th in fast break points per game (11.1) while the Bulls rank 19th in fast break points allowed per game (11.4).
Washington ranks fifth in steals allowed per game (6.8) while Chicago ranks eighth (7.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Chicago is 4-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Washington is 3-2 ATS with 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push over their last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.4, down from 5.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wizards have scored an average of 109.0 points per game (2.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 108.2 points per game (4.4 above their season average).
