The Indiana Pacers (5-3), 7-point favorites, will be at the United Center to clash against the Chicago Bulls (2-6) in a Central Division matchup. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 215 points and it can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, November 2, 2018.
Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls Betting Odds
Although the Bulls were defeated by the Denver Nuggets in their last contest, 108-107, they were able to cover as 8-point underdogs. The Pacers, meanwhile, topped the New York Knicks, 107-101, resulting in a push. The Chicago game finished 6 points under the projected point total of 221, while the Indiana game went 0.5 points under the projected point total of 208.5.
Indiana dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 27.8 (above their season average of 21.1) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.578 (above their season average of 0.557). For those same stats, New York was 22.5 and 0.506, respectively. Chicago, on the other hand, did an excellent job of making free throws (13-18; 72.2 percent). Wendell Carter Jr. had a good game for Chicago, contributing 25 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Domantas Sabonis was a key piece for Indiana with 30 points and nine rebounds.
The Pacers edged out the Bulls in this series last year, emerging victorious in three out of four contests. In the most recent contest, Indiana won 125-86. The Pacers’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Bulls. Indiana had a rate of 28.6, while Chicago posted a mark of 18.8.
It’s tough to find a trend for games involving the Pacers in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Indiana heads into the game with records of 5-3 straight up (SU) and 4-3-1 against the spread (ATS).
Similarly to to Indiana, it’s tough to find a trend for games including the Bulls in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Moreover, Chicago owns records of 2-6 SU and 4-4 ATS.
Conflicting tempos will be on display in this contest. Dating back to last season, Chicago has preferred to play fast (sixth in possessions per game), while Indiana has been slower-paced (28th in possessions per game).
Indiana Pacers vs. Chicago Bulls ATS Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Pacers, ATS Winner – Pacers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- The Pacers rank fifth in fast break points per game (15.0) while the Bulls rank 14th (11.8).
- Indiana ranks second in points off turnovers per game (18.6) while Chicago ranks 28th (14.8).
- The Pacers rank 11th in assists allowed per game (22.6) while the Bulls rank 29th (25.9).
- Indiana ranks second in steals per game (8.7) while Chicago ranks 19th (7.5).
- Indiana ranks 18th in second chance points per game (12.1) while Chicago ranks 27th (11.1).
- The Pacers rank seventh in rebounds allowed per game (42.6) while the Bulls rank 28th (45.9).
- The Pacers rank 11th in points in the paint per game (45.4) while the Bulls rank 26th (42.1).
- Indiana ranks 20th in blocks allowed per game (5.1) while Chicago ranks 25th (5.3).
- Chicago ranks seventh in three pointers attempted per game (31.0) while Indiana ranks 26th (24.5).
- Chicago is 9-6 when they allow less than 100 points, while Indiana is 31-5.
- The Pacers are 45-19 when they reach the century mark, while the Bulls are 25-32.
