The Atlanta Hawks (14-32) travel to United Center to square off with the Chicago Bulls (11-36). The Bulls are 2.5-point favorites and can put an end to a five-game home losing streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 221.5 points and it can be seen on WGN Channel 9 at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.
Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls Betting Odds
In the Bulls’ last game, they comfortably covered the 3-point spread against the Cleveland Cavaliers, 104-88. The Hawks, meanwhile, were dismantled by the Orlando Magic, 122-103, and were unable to cover as 2-point underdogs. The Chicago game finished 21 points under the projected point total of 213, while the Atlanta game went 3 points over the projected point total of 222.
The Bulls had a great effective field goal percentage of 0.572 (above their season average of 0.497) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.9 (above their season average of 18.0). Atlanta, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (20.0 vs. 20.5). Chicago was lifted by Zach LaVine, who recorded 25 points. Meanwhile, Dewayne Dedmon had a good outing for Atlanta, putting up 24 points and nine rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, LaVine led the Bulls to a 97-85 victory. He notched a double-double with 27 points and 11 rebounds. The two teams combined for 182 points, which was well under the projected point total of 232.5, and Chicago covered as a 6-point underdog. Chicago’s 0.506 effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Atlanta, who had a rate of 0.393.
Of the Hawks’ 46 games, 25 have finished over the total. Atlanta holds records of 14-32 straight up (SU) and 20-26 against the spread (ATS).
Vegas tends to set the total high when the Bulls are involved, as 59.6 percent of their games have finished under the total. Additionally, Chicago is 11-36 SU and 21-24-2 ATS.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Chicago offense. Chicago ranks 24th in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.2 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Atlanta forces the ninth-most turnovers in the league (14.5 percent). It will also be a tale of two tempos as the fast-breaking Hawks rank first in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Bulls rank 23rd.
Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Hawks, ATS Winner – Hawks, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Bulls rank 19th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.4) while the Hawks rank last (22.8).
- Atlanta ranks seventh in second chance points per game (14.0) while Chicago ranks 29th (9.7).
- The Hawks rank ninth in assists per game (25.5) while the Bulls rank 27th (21.6).
- Chicago averages 7.9 steals per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. Atlanta ranks 29th in steals allowed per game (11.0).
- Atlanta ranks 12th in rebounds per game (45.6) while Chicago ranks 26th (41.7).
- The Hawks rank sixth in three pointers attempted per game (34.3) while the Bulls rank 26th (26.6).
- The Hawks average 5.3 blocks per game, which ranks 12th in the league. The Bulls rank 26th in blocks allowed per game (5.9).
- Atlanta ranks sixth in points in the paint per game (52.2) while Chicago ranks 10th in points allowed in the paint per game (47.4).
- Chicago ranks 11th in fast break points allowed per game (12.9) while Atlanta ranks last (17.5).
- When holding opponents under 100 points, Atlanta is 3-2 and Chicago is 7-5.
- In games where they score more than 100 points, the Hawks are 13-25 and the Bulls are 7-19.
- Atlanta is 13-12 ATS on the road, while Chicago is 10-12 ATS at home.
- The Hawks have 13 overs and 12 unders in 25 road games.
- The Bulls have 14 unders and 8 overs in 22 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulls are 2-2-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Hawks are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Chicago has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Atlanta has 4 overs and 1 under.
- The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.6, down from 10.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Hawks have scored an average of 117.4 points per game (7.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 123.0 points per game (5.2 above their season average).
