The Chicago Bulls (22-43) can put an end to a nine-game road losing streak when they square off against the Atlanta Hawks (20-46) at Philips Arena. Atlanta is a 3-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 215 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 11, 2018, and it can be seen on WGN Channel 9.
Chicago Bulls at Atlanta Hawks Betting Preview
In the Bulls last contest, they fell to the Detroit Pistons, 99-83. Chicago’s Kris Dunn put up 13 points in the game. Detroit did a terrific job of making free throws (14-18; 77.8 percent). Chicago, meanwhile, forced the Pistons into a turnover percentage of 15.2 (above their season average of 12.1).
The Hawks are hoping for a better outcome after their 112-87 loss to the Indiana Pacers in their last matchup. With 12 points and five rebounds, Atlanta’s Mike Muscala put together a solid game. Indiana held the Hawks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.0 (below their season average of 22.0). Atlanta, meanwhile, did an excellent job of making free throws (9-10; 90.0 percent).
It could be a difficult game for Atlanta on the offensive glass. The Hawks are among the NBA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 17th in offensive rebounding percentage at 21.9 percent. Meanwhile, Chicago ranks second in the league at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 80.8 percent. Furthermore, the Bulls rank fifth in turnover percentage (13.0 percent), while the Hawks rank first in opponents turnover percentage (15.5 percent).
Of Chicago’s 65 games, 34 have finished over the projected point total, while 35 of Atlanta’s 66 games have finished under the projected point total. The Bulls have the better straight up (SU) record (22-43 vs. 20-46), but both teams are near the .500 mark against the spread (ATS).
These two teams have met twice already this year, with the Bulls winning both. In the most recent matchup, Robin Lopez scored a game-high 20 points and the Bulls beat the Hawks 113-97, covering as 2-point underdogs. He also had five rebounds. The two teams combined for 210 points, which was 7 points below the projected point total of 217 points. One of Chicago’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 19-21 (90.5 percent), while the Hawks were just 16-23 (69.6 percent).
Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks Free Prediction
Free Pick: SU Winner – Hawks, ATS Winner – Hawks, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Bulls rank 11th in assists per game (23.4) while the Hawks rank last in assists allowed per game (25.9).
- Chicago averages 11.4 fast break points per game, which ranks 16th in the league. Atlanta ranks 23rd in fast break points allowed per game (13.0).
- Atlanta averages 30.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 10th in the league. Chicago ranks 26th in three pointers allowed per game (31.4).
- Chicago is 15-16-1 ATS on the road with 19 overs and 13 unders.
- At home, Atlanta is 18-16 ATS with 16 overs, 16 unders and 2 pushes.
- When holding opponents below 100 points, Chicago is 6-6 and Atlanta is 9-4.
- The Bulls are 20-20 when they reach 100 points, while the Hawks are 18-25.
- The Hawks rank 21st in blocks per game (4.4) while the Bulls rank last (3.7).
- Atlanta ranks first in points off turnovers per game (18.6) while Chicago ranks 26th (14.8).
- The Bulls rank fifth in steals allowed per game (7.1) while the Hawks rank 28th (8.7).
- The Bulls are 26th in the NBA with 41.3 points in the paint per game while the Hawks are 27th with 40.8 points in the paint per game.
- Chicago ranks seventh in rebounds per game (44.7) while Atlanta ranks 26th (41.0).
Betting Trends:
- Atlanta is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 push in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Chicago is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Hawks average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.0, up from 4.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 100.4 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 106.4 points per game (2.8 below their season average).
