The Portland Trail Blazers (28-22) will attempt to prolong a seven-game home winning streak when they meet the Chicago Bulls (18-32) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Portland opened as a 7-point favorite, while the games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 214 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 31, 2018, and it can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago.
Chicago Bulls at Portland Trail Blazers ATS Preview
The Bulls lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in their last matchup, 110-96. Lauri Markkanen had a solid performance for Chicago, contributing 17 points and 10 rebounds. Milwaukee had a better free throw rate (0.195 vs. 0.138). Chicago, on the other hand, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (21.7 vs. 18.4).
The last time the Trail Blazers played, they beat the Los Angeles Clippers, 104-96. Portland received a boost from Damian Lillard, who was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 6-for-14 shooting. The Trail Blazers, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.0, had a superb mark of 30.5 and had a turnover percentage of 10.0 (better than their season average of 12.5).
Portland could have their way on defense as they face off against one of the worst offenses in the NBA. The Trail Blazers rank fifth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.502), while Chicago is 28th in effective field goal percentage (0.502).
Of Chicago’s 50 games, 27 have finished over the O/U total, while 29 of Portland’s 49 games have finished under the O/U total. The Trail Blazers have the better straight up (SU) record (28-22 vs. 18-32), but the Bulls hold the sizable advantage against the spread (ATS) (28-19-3 vs. 23-21-5).
Ed Davis has been excellent over the last five games for Portland, averaging 10.2 rebounds, 9.8 points and 1.2 blocks per game.
These teams have already met once this season. In that game, the two teams combined to score 244 points, well over the projected point total of 201.5. The Trail Blazers won 124-120, covering as 3-point underdogs. The Trail Blazers 6.5 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Bulls, who had a mark of 9.5. CJ McCollum scored a game-high 32 points.
Chicago Bulls vs. Portland Trail Blazers Free Prediction
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Trail Blazers, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Trail Blazers rank eighth in rebounds per game (44.8) while the Bulls rank 29th in rebounds allowed per game (45.8).
- Portland ranks 22nd in points in the paint per game (41.9) while Chicago ranks 26th (41.2).
- Portland ranks 12th in second chance points per game (12.8) while Chicago ranks 26th (10.3).
- Portland is 26th in the league with 14.7 points off turnovers per game while Chicago is 27th with 14.3 points off turnovers per game.
- Chicago is 15-9-1 ATS on the road, while Portland is 9-12-3 ATS at home.
- The Bulls have 16 overs and 9 unders in 25 road games.
- In 24 home games, the Trail Blazers have 15 unders and 9 overs.
- Chicago is 6-5 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Portland is 17-4.
- In games where they score more than 100 points, the Trail Blazers are 23-12 and the Bulls are 16-15.
- The Bulls rank 15th in fast break points per game (10.9) while the Trail Blazers rank 28th (6.6).
- Portland ranks first in assists allowed per game (19.8) while Chicago ranks 28th (25.3).
- The Trail Blazers rank fourth in three pointers allowed per game (25.8) while the Bulls rank 28th (31.2).
- The Bulls rank 23rd in steals per game (7.1) while the Trail Blazers rank 26th (6.9).
- Portland ranks eighth in blocks per game (5.2) while Chicago ranks 29th (3.7).
Betting Trends:
- Portland is 4-0-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Chicago is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
- The Trail Blazers average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.4, up from 1.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 108.2 points per game (4.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 112.4 points per game (3.4 above their season average).
