The Chicago Bulls (13-26) will try to put an end to their six-game losing streak when they square off with the Detroit Pistons (14-25) at Little Caesars Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 11, 2020, and will air on Fox Sports – Detroit.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 217 points with Detroit set as a 3.5-point favorite.
Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons Betting Prediction
In the Bulls’ last matchup, they were 3-point favorites and were defeated by the Indiana Pacers, 116-105. The game’s total points (221) finished just under the projected point total of 223.5. Indiana’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Chicago. The Pacers had a rate of 21.1 (below their season average of 21.2), while the Bulls posted a mark of 13.6 (below their season average of 22.6). Zach LaVine was the top scorer from either team with 43 points on 14-for-23 shooting.
The Pistons lost a tough one against the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last matchup, 115-112, despite being 7.5-point favorites. The combined points for the game (227) came in over the projected point total of 220.5. Cleveland’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Detroit. The Cavaliers had a rate of 0.154 (below their season average of 0.177), while the Pistons posted a mark of 0.102 (below their season average of 0.203). Andre Drummond had a solid game for Detroit, leading the team in scoring with 28 points on 13-for-24 shooting.
The Bulls have emerged victorious in all three matchups against the Pistons this year, including a 12-point victory the last time these teams met. Chicago covered as a 1.5-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 226 points, which was 16 points above the projected point total of 210 points. The Bulls had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.4 vs. 14.6) and had a much better free throw rate (0.273 vs. 0.126). LaVine was the game’s top overall scorer with 33 points.
Chicago heads into the game with records of 13-26 straight up (SU) and 18-20 against the spread (ATS). There does not appear to be a trend for games featuring the Bulls in regards to the O/U total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Detroit owns records of 14-25 SU and 14-23-2 ATS. Pistons games tend to finish over the O/U total (59.0 percent).
It might be a sloppy game for the Detroit offense. Detroit ranks 28th in the league in ball protection (turnover percentage of 15.0 percent), while the disruptive defense of Chicago forces the most turnovers in the league (17.0 percent).
Chicago Bulls at Detroit Pistons Free Pick
NBA Prediction: ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
On the road, Chicago is 9-9 ATS with 10 overs and 8 unders.
At home, Detroit is 8-11 ATS with 13 overs, 5 unders and 1 push.
Detroit is 4-0 when they allow less than 100 points, while Chicago is 4-2.
When reaching 100 points, the Pistons are 13-18 and the Bulls are 13-15.
Chicago averages 9.9 steals per game, which ranks first in the league. Detroit ranks 25th in steals allowed per game (8.2).
The Bulls average 20.9 points off turnovers per game, which ranks first in the league. The Pistons rank 25th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.7).
Detroit ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (43.2) while Chicago ranks 25th (47.2).
The Bulls average 15.4 fast break points per game, which ranks sixth in the league. The Pistons rank 17th in fast break points allowed per game (13.4).
Chicago ranks 15th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.2) while Detroit ranks 25th (51.1).
The Pistons average 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 17th in the NBA. The Bulls rank 26th in blocks allowed per game (6.5).
Detroit ranks second in three pointers allowed per game (30.1) while Chicago ranks 10th (32.7).
The Pistons rank 14th in assists per game (24.3) while the Bulls rank 19th in assists allowed per game (24.4).
Over its last five contests, Chicago is 0-5 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Detroit is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over its last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.0, up from 2.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pistons have scored an average of 109.8 points per game (1.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 112.8 points per game (1.6 above their season average).