The Philadelphia 76ers (26-16) look to prolong their five-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Chicago Bulls (15-27) at Wells Fargo Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 17, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 216 points with Philadelphia set as a 7.5-point favorite.
Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers ATS Prediction
The Bulls will be hoping for similar success after covering the 3.5-point spread against the Washington Wizards in their last contest, 115-106. The combined points for the game (221) finished under the projected point total of 229.5. The Bulls held the Wizards to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.5 (below their season average of 22.8). The Wizards also had a turnover percentage of 15.0 (above their season average of 11.3). With 30 points on 12-for-21 shooting, Zach LaVine was the game’s leading scorer.
In the 76ers’ last game, they were victorious over the Brooklyn Nets, 117-106, covering as 7-point favorites. The game’s combined points (223) finished just over the O/U total of 221.5. The 76ers, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 24.0, had a solid mark of 28.3 and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.574 (above their season average of 0.528). Tobias Harris was the game’s top scorer with 34 points on 14-for-20 shooting from the field.
After the 76ers won three out of four matchups against the Bulls last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent game, Philadelphia won 125-109. The 76ers had a better offensive rebounding percentage (23.1 vs. 19.1) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.624 vs. 0.521).
Chicago holds records of 15-27 straight up (SU) and 20-22 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Bulls have no tendency in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia is 26-16 SU and 19-20-3 ATS. Contrary to Chicago, 76ers games have finished over the O/U total 50.0 percent of the time.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. LaVine (30 points,4.4 assists,1.6 steals) has been stellar for the Bulls while Ben Simmons (20 points,11.2 rebounds,7.2 assists,2.0 steals) has contributed greatly to the 76ers.
It could be a sloppy game for the Philadelphia offense. Philadelphia ranks 16th in the league in ball protection (turnover percentage of 13.8 percent), while the disruptive defense of Chicago forces the most turnovers in the NBA (16.9 percent). Moreover, the Bulls rank 26th in offensive efficiency (103.8), while the 76ers rank fifth in defensive efficiency (104.3).
Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers ATS Pick
Free NBA Tip: ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
On the road, Chicago is 10-10 ATS with 10 overs, 9 unders and 1 push.
At home, Philadelphia is 11-8-2 ATS with 11 overs, 9 unders and 1 push.
When allowing less than 100 points, Philadelphia is 11-1 and Chicago is 5-2.
The Bulls are 15-16 when they score above 100 points, while the 76ers are 23-7.
Philadelphia ranks third in blocks allowed per game (4.0) while Chicago ranks 27th (6.4).
The 76ers rank first in rebounds allowed per game (41.2) while the Bulls rank 24th (46.8).
Chicago ranks first in points off turnovers per game (20.9) while Philadelphia ranks 22nd (16.4).
The 76ers rank seventh in steals per game (8.2) while the Bulls rank 26th in steals allowed per game (8.2).
Philadelphia ranks fourth in assists per game (26.2) while Chicago ranks 21st (22.9).
The Bulls rank ninth in three pointers attempted per game (35.2) while the 76ers rank 25th (30.1).
Chicago ranks sixth in fast break points per game (15.1) while Philadelphia ranks 15th in fast break points allowed per game (12.9).
The 76ers rank second in second chance points allowed per game (11.5) while the Bulls rank 10th (12.5).
Philadelphia ranks 13th in points in the paint per game (48.5) while Chicago ranks 16th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.1).
In its last five contests, Chicago is 2-3 ATS with 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push.
Philadelphia is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.0, up from 1.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the 76ers have scored an average of 106.4 points per game (2.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 105.4 points per game (0.3 below their season average).
