The Chicago Bulls (19-37) and the Phoenix Suns (22-34) go head-to-head at United Center. The Bulls are 1-point underdogs and will attempt to snap their seven-game losing streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 219.5 points and it can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 22, 2020.
Phoenix Suns at Chicago Bulls Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last game. The Bulls (4.5-point favorites) were defeated by the Charlotte Hornets, 103-93, while the Suns (6.5-point underdogs) fell to the Toronto Raptors, 118-101. The Chicago game finished 15.5 points under the projected point total of 211.5, while the Phoenix game finished 8 points under the projected point total of 227.
Phoenix forced Toronto into a turnover percentage of 19.7 (above their season average of 12.2) while Chicago forced Charlotte into a turnover percentage of 16.4 (above their season average of 12.8). Chicago rallied around Thaddeus Young, who finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Devin Booker led the way for Phoenix, recording 21 points, eight assists and five rebounds.
The Bulls dominated this series last year, securing victories in both contests. In the last contest, Chicago won 116-101. The Bulls’ 27.5 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over the Suns, who had a rate of 19.1. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
A little over half of the Suns’ games have finished over the total. Phoenix comes into the game with records of 22-34 straight up (SU) and 25-29-1 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Bulls’ 56 games, 30 have finished over the total. Moreover, Chicago is 19-37 SU and 24-31-1 ATS.
It might be a mistake-prone game for the Chicago offense. Chicago ranks 24th in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.2 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Phoenix forces the third-most turnovers in the NBA (14.8 percent). Also, the Suns rank fifth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.224), while the Bulls rank 29th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.230).
Phoenix Suns vs. Chicago Bulls Free Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Suns, ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Bulls rank fifth in three pointers allowed per game (31.9) while the Suns rank sixth (32.0).
- Phoenix ranks second in assists per game (26.9) while Chicago ranks 24th (23.1).
- The Bulls rank seventh in points in the paint per game (49.4) while the Suns rank 22nd in points allowed in the paint per game (50.3).
- Phoenix ranks 21st in rebounds per game (43.2) while Chicago ranks 29th (42.3).
- Neither of these teams are great at blocking the ball. Phoenix is 27th in the NBA with 4.0 blocks per game while Chicago is 28th with 4.0 blocks per game.
- The Bulls average 9.9 steals per game, which ranks first in the NBA. The Suns rank 20th in steals allowed per game (7.9).
- The Bulls average 15.1 fast break points per game, which ranks seventh in the league. The Suns rank 13th in fast break points allowed per game (12.8).
- Phoenix ranks fourth in points off turnovers per game (18.5) while Chicago ranks 22nd in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.5).
- Chicago is 5-3 when they allow less than 100 points, while Phoenix is 7-2.
- In games where they score over 100 points, the Suns are 21-28 and the Bulls are 19-22.
- Chicago is 11-16-1 ATS at home, while Phoenix is 14-12 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone under in 14 of the Suns’ 26 road games, while 14 of the Bulls’ 28 home games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulls are 1-3-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Suns are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Chicago has 4 overs and 1 under, while Phoenix has 3 unders and 2 overs.
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 107.8 points per game (1.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 120.2 points per game (10.8 above their season average).
- The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.8, up from 1.5 for the season.
