The Washington Wizards (8-17) go head-to-head against the Chicago Bulls (10-19) at Capital One Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, and will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
Washington opened as a 1-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 230.5 points.
Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards Free Prediction
Although the Bulls were topped by the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last outing, 109-106, they were able to cover as 5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (215) finished over the O/U total of 208. Oklahoma City made good use of their 28 trips to the free throw line, converting on 23 of them (82.1 percent). Chicago, meanwhile, was 11-13 (84.6 percent). Zach LaVine was the game’s high scorer with 39 points on 15-for-25 shooting.
The last time the Wizards took the court, they were victorious over the Detroit Pistons, 133-119, despite being 2.5-point underdogs. The game’s total points (252) were well over the O/U total of 232.5. Washington made 18 of their 33 three pointers (54.5 percent). Detroit, meanwhile, did a great job of converting from the charity stripe (24-34; 70.6 percent). Bradley Beal was the top scorer from either team with 35 points on 12-for-24 shooting from the field.
When looking at effective field goal percentage, Washington figures to have a substantial edge. The sharp-shooting Wizards offense ranks fifth in the league in that metric at 0.543, while the Chicago defense is ranked 15th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.518).
Chicago comes into the game with records of 10-19 straight up (SU) and 15-14 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of the Bulls’ games have finished under the O/U total.
Washington is 14-11 ATS, despite being 8-17 SU. Vegas has a tendency to place the total low when the Wizards are involved, as 56.0 percent of their games have ended over the projected point total.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. LaVine (23 points,6.2 rebounds,3.4 assists,1.4 steals) has been stellar for the Bulls while Ish Smith (15 points,5.8 assists) has contributed greatly to the Wizards.
After the Bulls won three out of four games against the Wizards last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last game, Chicago won 115-114. Chicago had a better offensive rebounding percentage (23.1 vs. 18.4). Washington, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (10.0 vs. 17.0).
Bulls vs. Wizards Free Pick
NBA Prediction: ATS Winner – Wizards, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Chicago is 7-6 ATS on the road with 7 overs and 6 unders.
Washington is 5-5 ATS at home with 6 overs, 3 unders and 1 push.
When allowing less than 100 points, Washington is 2-0 and Chicago is 3-2.
In games where they reach the century mark, the Bulls are 10-10 and the Wizards are 7-17.
Chicago ranks first in steals per game (10.0) while Washington ranks 20th (7.4).
The Bulls rank eighth in second chance points allowed per game (12.4) while the Wizards rank 26th (14.5).
Washington ranks second in assists per game (28.1) while Chicago ranks 20th (23.2).
The Bulls rank 14th in points in the paint per game (47.4) while the Wizards rank 28th in points allowed in the paint per game (52.2).
Washington ranks fourth in points off turnovers (19.0 per game) while Chicago ranks 18th in points off turnovers allowed (17.7 per game).
The Bulls average 14.7 fast break points per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. The Wizards rank 16th in fast break points allowed per game (13.2).
Chicago ranks 24th in rebounds per game (43.2) while Washington ranks last (41.1).
The Wizards rank 24th in blocks allowed per game (5.7) while the Bulls rank 28th (6.4).
Chicago ranks 10th in three pointers attempted per game (35.1) while Washington ranks 14th in three pointers allowed per game (33.3).
Over its last five outings, Chicago is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Washington is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Bulls have outscored opponents by an average of 4.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Chicago has been defeated by an average of 1.9 points.
During their last five games, the Wizards have scored an average of 114.6 points per game (3.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 121.6 points per game (0.6 below their season average).
