The Houston Rockets (5-3), 6.5-point favorites, will travel to the United Center to meet the Chicago Bulls (3-6). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 233.5 points and it can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 9, 2019.
Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls Betting Odds
Both teams covered as favorites in their last matchup. The Bulls (1-point favorites) defeated the Atlanta Hawks 113-93, while the Rockets (16-point favorites) beat the Golden State Warriors 129-112. The Chicago game went 15 points under the projected point total of 221, while the Houston game went 12.5 points over the projected point total of 228.5.
Houston’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Golden State. The Rockets had a rate of 0.603 (above their season average of 0.508), while the Warriors posted a mark of 0.464 (below the 0.571 mark opponents have averaged against Houston this season). Meanwhile, Chicago dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a turnover percentage of 15.3 (worse than their season average of 11.4) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.579 (above their season average of 0.490). For those same stats, Atlanta put up marks of 21.2 and 0.446, respectively. Tomas Satoransky had a good outing for Chicago with 27 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. James Harden, meanwhile played well for Houston, finishing with 36 points and 13 assists.
The Rockets dominated this series last year, securing victories in both contests. In the most recent contest, Houston won 121-105. Houston’s 0.595 effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Chicago, who had a rate of 0.489.
It’s tough to find a trend for Rockets games in regards to the projected point total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Houston is 5-3 straight up (SU), but they have a difficult time covering the spread (2-6 against the spread (ATS)).
Vegas is known to place the total high when the Bulls are involved, as five of their 8 games have finished under the total. Further, Chicago is 3-6 SU and 4-5 ATS.
Houston could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their prolific offense squares off against one of the worst defenses in the league. Dating back to last season, the Rockets rank second in offensive efficiency, while Chicago ranks 24th in defensive efficiency.
Rockets at Bulls Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- The Bulls average 12.4 fast break points per game, which ranks 16th in the NBA. The Rockets rank 19th in fast break points allowed per game (14.0).
- Houston ranks first in three pointers attempted per game (45.3) while Chicago ranks 27th (26.8).
- The Rockets rank fourth in steals per game (8.5) while the Bulls rank 16th (7.5).
- Houston ranks 16th in second chance points per game (13.3) while Chicago ranks 28th (11.2).
- Houston averages 18.1 points off turnovers per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Chicago ranks 13th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.5).
- The Bulls rank eighth in points in the paint per game (50.7) while the Rockets rank 29th (42.3).
- The Rockets rank 15th in rebounds allowed per game (45.4) while the Bulls rank 25th (46.8).
- Chicago is 25th in the NBA with 22.0 assists per game while Houston is 27th with 21.2 assists per game.
- Houston ranks 11th in blocks allowed per game (4.6) while Chicago ranks 28th (5.9).
- In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Chicago is 9-6 and Houston is 18-2.
- When scoring above 100 points, the Rockets are 61-26 and the Bulls are 21-40.
