The Brooklyn Nets (14-18) travel to United Center to clash against the Chicago Bulls (7-24). The Nets are a 2-point favorite and will try to extend their six-game winning streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 215 points and it can be seen on WGN Channel 9 at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 19, 2018.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Odds
Neither team was able to cover in their last matchup. The Nets (7.5-point favorites) defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 115-110, while the Bulls (12.5-point underdogs) fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 121-96. The Brooklyn game finished 0.5 points under the projected point total of 225.5, while the Chicago game finished 4.5 points over the projected point total of 212.5.
The Nets had a turnover percentage of 10.0 (better than their season average of 12.4) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.560 (above their season average of 0.519). Chicago, meanwhile, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.494 vs. 0.528). Lauri Markkanen had a solid performance for Chicago, contributing 16 points and 15 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell played a pivotal role for Brooklyn with 22 points and 13 assists.
The Nets dominated this series last year, securing victories in all three games. In the last matchup, Brooklyn won 114-105. One of Brooklyn’s biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 14-15 (93.3 percent), while the Bulls were just 7-12 (58.3 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Nets games have gone over the total 48.4 percent of the time. Brooklyn holds records of 14-18 straight up (SU) and 16-15 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Bulls’ 31 games, 21 have finished under the total. Additionally, Chicago owns records of 7-24 SU and 14-16-1 ATS.
Spencer Dinwiddie and Joe Harris have played at a high level over the last five games for Brooklyn. Dinwiddie has averaged 25 points,6.0 assists per game, while Harris has put up 13 points,3.8 assists a game during that span.
The offensive glass could be a major advantage for Brooklyn in this contest. The Nets are among the NBA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking eighth in offensive rebounding percentage at 25.6 percent. Meanwhile, Chicago ranks 25th in the NBA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 75.3 percent.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Chicago Bulls Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Nets, ATS Winner – Nets, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Bulls rank 21 in points off turnovers per game (15.870967741935484) while the Nets rank 25 (15.40625).
- Brooklyn ranks first in three pointers allowed per game (26.8) while Chicago ranks 24th (33.5).
- The Nets rank second in fast break points allowed per game (10.3) while the Bulls rank 18th (14.1).
- Brooklyn ranks 16th in rebounds allowed per game (44.8) while Chicago ranks 29th (48.7).
- Brooklyn ranks 19 in assists per game (23.25) while Chicago ranks 26 (21.548387096774192).
- The Nets rank 10th in blocks allowed per game (4.7) while the Bulls rank 28th (6.3).
- The Bulls rank 13 in steals per game (8.129032258064516) while the Nets rank 25 (6.875).
- Brooklyn ranks 10 in points in the paint per game (49.8125) while Chicago ranks 12 in points allowed in the paint per game (47.41935483870968).
- Brooklyn ranks 11th in second chance points per game (13.6) while Chicago ranks 29th (9.4).
- Chicago is 3-3 when they allow under 100 points, while Brooklyn is 4-1.
- The Bulls are 4-11 when they score over 100 points, while the Nets are 14-14.
- Chicago is 8-7 ATS at home, while Brooklyn is 9-6 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone under in 11 of the Bulls’ 15 home games, while 9 of the Nets’ 15 road games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- The Nets are 5-0 ATS over their last five games, while the Bulls are 1-3-1.
- In their last five games, Brooklyn has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Chicago has 4 unders and 1 over.
- The Nets have outscored opponents by an average of 8.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Brooklyn has lost by an average of 0.7 points.
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 90.2 points per game (11.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 110.4 points per game (1.6 below their season average).
