It will be a battle between Central Division opponents when the Chicago Bulls (18-31) welcome the Milwaukee Bucks (25-22) to United Center. The game starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 28, 2018, and will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 215 points with Milwaukee opening as a 1.5-point favorite.
Milwaukee Bucks at Chicago Bulls Free Prediction
In the Bucks’ last matchup, they dismantled the Brooklyn Nets, 116-91. The Bucks had a solid effective field goal percentage of 0.590 (above their season average of 0.532) and had a turnover percentage of 8.9 (better than their season average of 12.5). With 41 points on 14-for-20 shooting, Giannis Antetokounmpo was the top scorer from either team.
The Bulls fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in their last game, 108-103. Los Angeles’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Chicago. The Lakers had a rate of 8.0 (better than their season average of 13.7), while the Bulls posted a mark of 11.2. Chicago’s Denzel Valentine contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds in the contest.
Conflicting paces will be on display in this battle. Chicago prefers to play quickly (seventh in possessions per game), while Milwaukee is more half-court-oriented (26th in possessions per game). Also, the Bucks rank 29th in offensive rebounding percentage (19.1 percent), while the Bulls rank third in defensive rebounding percentage (81.0 percent).
Milwaukee holds records of 25-22 straight up (SU) and 20-22-5 against the spread (ATS). Bucks games have a tendency to go over the total (55.3 percent).
Chicago is 28-18-3 ATS, despite being 18-31 SU. Much like Milwaukee, games involving the Bulls also have typically finished over the O/U total (55.1 percent).
Khris Middleton has averaged 23.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.8 steals over the last five games for Milwaukee.
The Bulls have emerged victorious in both contests against the Bucks this year, including a nine-point victory in their last matchup. Chicago covered as an 8-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 221 points, which was 9.5 points above the projected point total of 211.5 points. Chicago had a much better turnover percentage (5.0 vs. 15.4). Milwaukee, on the other hand, did a terrific job of getting and making free throws (18-24; 75.0 percent). Despite the loss, Antetokounmpo was the game’s leading scorer with 28 points.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls ATS Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Bucks, ATS Winner – Bucks, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Milwaukee is 11-9-2 ATS with 13 overs, 8 unders and 1 push.
At home, Chicago is 13-9-2 ATS with 13 unders and 11 overs.
In games where they allow under 100 points, Chicago is 6-5 and Milwaukee is 10-3.
The Bulls are 16-15 when they reach 100 points, while the Bucks are 21-12.
Chicago ranks sixth in rebounds per game (45.0) while Milwaukee ranks last (38.5).
The Bucks rank sixth in three pointers allowed per game (26.3) while the Bulls rank 27th (31.3).
Milwaukee ranks eighth in points off turnovers per game (17.7) while Chicago ranks 28th (14.3).
The Bucks rank fifth in steals per game (8.6) while the Bulls rank 23rd (7.1).
Milwaukee ranks 10th in blocks per game (5.1) while Chicago ranks 28th (3.7).
The Bucks rank 10th in points in the paint per game (46.5) while the Bulls rank 25th (41.2).
Milwaukee ranks first in fast break points allowed per game (8.1) while Chicago ranks 15th (11.7).
The Bucks rank 14th in assists allowed per game (22.9) while the Bulls rank 28th (25.3).
Chicago ranks 27th in second chance points per game (10.3) while Milwaukee ranks 29th (9.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Milwaukee is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Chicago is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Bucks have outscored opponents by an average of 2.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Milwaukee has lost by an average of 0.7 points.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 111.4 points per game (7.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 114.2 points per game (5.3 above their season average).
