The Chicago Bulls (5-20) welcome the Oklahoma City Thunder (16-7) to United Center. The Bulls are 9-point underdogs and will try to put an end to their seven-game losing streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 216 points and it can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, December 7, 2018.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Chicago Bulls ATS Odds
Although the Bulls were beaten by the Indiana Pacers in their last game, 96-90, they did cover as 8-point underdogs. The Thunder, on the other hand, beat the Brooklyn Nets, 114-112, but were unable to cover as 6-point favorites. The Chicago game went 25 points under the projected point total of 211, while the Oklahoma City game went 5 points over the projected point total of 221.
The Thunder had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 32.7 (above their season average of 27.4) and had a turnover percentage of 10.5 (better than their season average of 12.0). Chicago, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.5 (above their season average of 16.2). Chicago’s Lauri Markkanen played well, recording 21 points and 10 rebounds. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, rallied around Paul George, who finished with 47 points and 15 rebounds.
The Thunder dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent game, Oklahoma City won 92-79. Oklahoma City made good use of their 37 trips to the charity stripe, making 32 of them (86.5 percent). Chicago, meanwhile, was 16-20 (80.0 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Vegas tends to place the total high when the Thunder are playing, as 56.5 percent of their contests have ended under the total. Oklahoma City heads into the game with records of 16-7 straight up (SU) and 14-9 against the spread (ATS).
Similarly to Oklahoma City, Bulls games also tend to go under the projected point total (68.0 percent). Moreover, Chicago is 5-20 SU and 12-13 ATS.
Chicago might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they clash against one of the NBA’s best defenses. Oklahoma City currently ranks first in defensive efficiency while the Bulls rank 30th in offensive efficiency.
Oklahoma City Thunder at Chicago Bulls Betting Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Thunder rank 8 in fast break points per game (15.73913043478261) while the Bulls rank 13 in fast break points allowed per game (13.36).
- Oklahoma City ranks third in rebounds per game (49.1) while Chicago ranks last in rebounds allowed per game (49.2).
- The Thunder average 10.3 steals per game, which ranks first in the league. The Bulls rank 23rd in steals allowed per game (8.3).
- Oklahoma City blocks 5.8 opponent shots per game, which ranks eighth in the NBA. Chicago ranks 27th in blocks allowed per game (6.7).
- Oklahoma City averages 52 points in the paint per game, which ranks 7 in the league. Chicago ranks 15 in points allowed in the paint per game (48.16).
- The Thunder rank second in second chance points per game (16.0) while the Bulls rank 28th (9.8).
- The Thunder rank 9 in three pointers allowed per game (30.043478260869566) while the Bulls rank 28 (34.2).
- Oklahoma City ranks first in points off turnovers per game (21.5) while Chicago ranks 25th (15.3).
- Chicago is 2-2 when they allow less than 100 points, while Oklahoma City is 5-0.
- The Bulls are 3-11 when they reach 100 points, while the Thunder are 14-3.
- Oklahoma City is 7-4 ATS on the road, while Chicago is 7-5 ATS at home.
- The total has gone under in 9 of the Bulls’ 12 home games, while 8 of the Thunder’s 11 road games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Oklahoma City and Chicago are both 3-2 ATS.
- The Thunder have 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games, while the Bulls have 4 unders and 1 over
- The Thunder’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.8, up from 7.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 100.6 points per game (2.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 109.6 points per game (2.7 below their season average).
