The Chicago Bulls (22-42) can put an end to an eight-game road losing streak when they clash against the Detroit Pistons (29-36) at Little Caesars Arena. Detroit opened as an 8-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 214 points. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018, and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Detroit.
Chicago Bulls at Detroit Pistons Odds Preview
The Bulls beat the Memphis Grizzlies in their last outing, 119-110. With 21 points and nine assists, Kris Dunn had a solid performance for Chicago. Chicago dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.304 (above their season average of 0.165) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 27.3 (above their season average of 19.8). For those same stats, Memphis put up marks of 0.244 and 22.0, respectively.
The last time the Pistons played, they were beaten by the Toronto Raptors, 121-119. Blake Griffin was Detroit’s high scorer with 31 points on 12-for-21 shooting. Toronto had a turnover percentage of 8.4 (better than their season average of 11.5). Detroit, meanwhile, was lights out from beyond the arc (13-26; 50.0 percent).
Chicago could have a tough time creating turnovers. Detroit ranks eighth in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 13.3 percent), while Chicago forces the first-fewest turnovers (12.6 percent).
Of Chicago’s 64 games, 34 have finished over the O/U total, while 35 of Detroit’s 65 games have finished under the projected point total. The Pistons have the better straight up (SU) record (29-36 vs. 22-42), but the Bulls hold the substantial advantage against the spread (ATS) (32-29-3 vs. 28-35-2).
These teams have already met once this season. The two teams combined for 212 points in that game, which was just over the projected point total of 210. The Bulls won 107-105, covering as 1-point underdogs. Chicago was lights out from beyond the arc (17-36; 47.2 percent). Detroit, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (27.7 vs. 15.8). In the loss, Andre Drummond had a double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds.
Chicago Bulls at Detroit Pistons Prediction
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Pistons, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Pistons rank second in fast break points allowed per game (9.2) while the Bulls rank 14th (11.6).
- Chicago ranks fifth in steals allowed per game (7.1) while Detroit ranks seventh (7.3).
- Chicago averages 44.7 rebounds per game, which ranks seventh in the league. Detroit ranks 18th in rebounds allowed per game (43.5).
- Neither of these teams are great at blocking the ball. Chicago is 29th in the league with 3.7 blocks per game while Detroit is last with 3.7 blocks per game.
- Chicago is 15-15-1 ATS on the road with 19 overs and 12 unders.
- Detroit is 14-19-1 ATS at home with 17 unders, 16 overs and 1 push.
- Chicago is 6-5 when they allow under 100 points, while Detroit is 15-6.
- The Pistons are 26-16 when they reach the century mark, while the Bulls are 20-20.
- The Pistons average 44.3 points in the paint per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. The Bulls rank 17th in points allowed in the paint per game (44.8).
- Detroit ranks 11th in points off turnovers per game (16.8) while Chicago ranks 27th (14.7).
- The Bulls average 23.4 assists per game, which ranks 11th in the NBA. The Pistons rank 27th in assists allowed per game (25.0).
- The Pistons rank fourth in second chance points allowed per game (11.2) while the Bulls rank sixth (11.4).
- Chicago ranks seventh in three pointers attempted per game (30.5) while Detroit ranks 21st in three pointers allowed per game (30.1).
Bettings Trends:
- Detroit is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Chicago is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Pistons’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.8, up from 1.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 101.2 points per game (2.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 107.4 points per game (2.0 below their season average).
