The Chicago Bulls (12-22) will attempt to prolong their six-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Indiana Pacers (19-16) at United Center. The game can be seen on WGN Channel 9 at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, December 29, 2017.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 209 points with Chicago set as a 3-point favorite.
Indiana Pacers vs. Chicago Bulls ATS Prediction
The Pacers are hoping for a better outcome after their 98-94 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in their last outing. Dallas’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Indiana. The Mavericks had a rate of 9.6 (better than their season average of 12.0), while the Pacers posted a mark of 16.1 (above their season average of 12.1). Indiana’s Lance Stephenson put together a good outing, finishing with 16 points, 15 rebounds and five assists.
The last time the Bulls played, they were victorious over the New York Knicks, 92-87. Chicago’s 0.140 free throw rate was their biggest strength over New York, who had a mark of 0.099. The Bulls’ mark was below their season average of 0.149, while the Knicks’ was below their season average of 0.187. Kris Dunn was Chicago’s leading scorer with 17 points on 6-for-18 shooting.
Chicago may have trouble getting to the foul line in this matchup. The Bulls rank 29th in the league with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.148, while Indiana ranks first in FTA rate allowed (0.154).
Indiana comes into the game with records of 19-16 straight up (SU) and 20-15 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the total of Pacers games, with 19 unders compared to 15 overs.
Chicago has a respectable record ATS (19-12-3), despite being 12-22 SU. Vegas is highly precise when setting the O/U total of Bulls games, with an even split between overs and unders.
The Pacers have emerged victorious in both matchups against the Bulls this year, escaping with a narrow 98-96 victory in their last matchup. Indiana was unable to cover as a 10-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 194 points, which was 12.5 points below the projected point total of 206.5 points. Indiana had a better turnover percentage (12.5 vs. 15.1). Chicago, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.6 vs. 16.7). Victor Oladipo was the game’s leading scorer with 27 points.
Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Bulls, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Indiana is 10-6 ATS with 8 overs and 8 unders.
Chicago is 9-5-2 ATS at home with 11 unders and 5 overs.
Indiana is 9-1 when they allow below 100 points, while Chicago is 5-5.
When scoring above 100 points, the Bulls are 10-7 and the Pacers are 17-6.
Indiana ranks third in points off turnovers per game (18.7) while Chicago ranks 28th (14.3).
The Pacers rank third in fast break points per game (14.7) while the Bulls rank 19th in fast break points allowed per game (11.4).
Indiana ranks 12th in assists per game (22.8) while Chicago ranks 26th in assists allowed per game (24.5).
The Pacers rank 15th in points in the paint per game (42.9) while the Bulls rank 28th (39.8).
Chicago ranks 14th in three pointers attempted per game (29.5) while Indiana ranks 25th in three pointers allowed per game (31.0).
The Pacers rank 18th in blocks per game (4.6) while the Bulls rank 28th (3.6).
Indiana ranks 17th in rebounds allowed per game (43.3) while Chicago ranks 25th (45.4).
The Pacers rank fourth in steals allowed per game (6.8) while the Bulls rank sixth (6.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Indiana is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Chicago is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Pacers have been outscored by an average of 3.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Indiana has defeated opponents by an average of 0.8 points.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 104.6 points per game (4.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 103.8 points per game (2.0 below their season average).
