Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls Free Prediction 01/04/19

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The Indiana Pacers (25-12), the league’s top scoring defense and 6-point favorites, will go head-to-head with the Chicago Bulls (10-28) at United Center. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 201.5 points and it will air on WGN Channel 9 at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, January 4, 2019.

Indiana Pacers vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Odds

Neither team was able to cover in their last contest. The Pacers (13-point favorites) defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 116-108, while the Bulls (1-point underdogs) fell to the Orlando Magic, 112-84. The Indiana game went 4 points over the projected point total of 220, while the Chicago game finished 3.5 points under the projected point total of 199.5.

Indiana dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.250 (above their season average of 0.178) and a turnover percentage of 10.2 (better than their season average of 13.2). For those same stats, Atlanta was 0.137 and 14.1, respectively. Chicago, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (10.9 vs. 13.4). Chicago received a boost from Kris Dunn, who finished with 14 points. Victor Oladipo, meanwhile led the way for Indiana, recording 22 points and seven assists.

In their two contests this season, the Pacers have won both. In their most recent game, the two teams combined to put up 186 points, well under the projected point total of 211. Indiana won 96-90 but was unable to cover as an 8-point favorite. Indiana did a great job of converting from the charity stripe (20-24; 83.3 percent). Chicago, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (23.5 vs. 15.8). Turner recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Oddsmakers are known to place the total high when the Pacers are involved, as 23 of their 37 contests have gone under the total. Indiana comes into the game with records of 25-12 straight up (SU) and 20-16-1 against the spread (ATS).

Much like Indiana, Bulls games also have typically gone under the O/U total (68.4 percent). Additionally, Chicago owns records of 10-28 SU and 18-19-1 ATS.

The Pacers’ Myles Turner has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 14 points,10.2 rebounds,3.2 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Lauri Markkanen has averaged 22 points,8.2 rebounds during that same time frame for the Bulls.

The inefficient offense of Chicago will face off against the top-notch defense of Indiana. The Bulls currently rank 30th in offensive efficiency, while the Pacers are second in defensive efficiency. The Pacers figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball.

Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls Betting Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Pacers, ATS Winner – Pacers, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Bulls rank 24 in three pointers attempted per game (26.894736842105264) while the Pacers rank 27 (24.972972972972972).
  • Indiana ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (42.8) while Chicago ranks 28th (47.9).
  • The Pacers average 9.3 steals per game, which ranks second in the league. The Bulls rank 18th in steals allowed per game (8.0).
  • Indiana ranks 12th in blocks per game (5.4) while Chicago ranks 27th in blocks allowed per game (6.0).
  • Indiana ranks 4 in points allowed in the paint per game (42.37837837837838) while Chicago ranks 9 (46.526315789473685).
  • The Pacers rank third in points off turnovers per game (19.6) while the Bulls rank 22nd (15.2).
  • The Pacers rank 18 in second chance points per game (12.864864864864865) while the Bulls rank last (9.052631578947368).
  • Indiana ranks 9 in fast break points per game (15.027027027027026) while Chicago ranks 11 in fast break points allowed per game (12.973684210526315).
  • Indiana ranks eighth in assists per game (25.5) while Chicago ranks 25th (21.4).
  • When allowing under 100 points, Indiana is 13-3 and Chicago is 6-5.
  • The Pacers are 22-5 when they reach 100 points, while the Bulls are 6-11.
  • Indiana is 10-7-1 ATS on the road, while Chicago is 9-10 ATS at home.
  • In 18 road games, the Pacers have 9 overs and 9 unders.
  • The Bulls have 14 unders and 5 overs in 19 home games.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Pacers are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Bulls are 3-2.
  • In their last five games, Indiana has 4 overs and 1 under, while Chicago has 3 unders and 2 overs.
  • During their last five games, the Pacers have scored an average of 117.8 points per game (10.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 102.4 points per game (1.3 above their season average).
  • The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.0, down from 9.4 for the season.