The Chicago Bulls (3-6) challenge the Houston Rockets (5-3) at the United Center. The game will air on NBC Sports Chicago at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 9, 2019.
Houston opened as a 6.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 233.5 points.
Houston Rockets vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Prediction
The last time the Rockets played, they covered the 16-point spread against the Golden State Warriors, 129-112. The game’s combined points (241) were over the O/U total of 228.5. Houston was lights out from beyond the arc (21-45; 46.7 percent). Golden State, meanwhile, did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (23-28; 82.1 percent). Houston received a boost from James Harden, who was the top scorer from either team with 36 points on 10-for-23 shooting.
The Bulls had no trouble getting past the Atlanta Hawks in their last matchup, 113-93, easily covering as 1-point favorites. The game’s total points (206) finished well under the O/U total of 221. The Bulls forced 24 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.579 (above their season average of 0.490). Tomas Satoransky was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 10-for-13 shooting from the field.
The Rockets won both matchups against the Bulls last season. In the most recent game, Houston won 121-105. The Rockets had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.595 vs. 0.489) and had a better free throw rate (0.250 vs. 0.216).
Houston has a solid 5-3 straight up (SU) record, but they are just 2-6 against the spread (ATS). It’s tough to find a trend for games featuring the Rockets in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Chicago is 3-6 SU and 4-5 ATS. Bulls games tend to go under the projected point total (55.6 percent).
Houston could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their prolific offense goes up against one of the worst defenses in the league. The Rockets rank second in offensive efficiency while Chicago ranks 24th in defensive efficiency since last season.
Houston Rockets vs. Chicago Bulls Odds Pick
Free NBA Pick: Chicago Bulls +6.5
Betting Trends
Chicago is 9-6 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Houston is 18-2.
In games where they reach 100 points, the Rockets are 61-26 and the Bulls are 21-40.
Houston ranks first in three pointers attempted per game (45.3) while Chicago ranks 27th (26.8).
The Bulls rank eighth in points in the paint per game (50.7) while the Rockets rank 29th (42.3).
Houston ranks 11th in blocks allowed per game (4.6) while Chicago ranks 28th (5.9).
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).
The Rockets rank 15th in rebounds allowed per game (45.4) while the Bulls rank 25th (46.8).
Houston ranks sixth in points off turnovers per game (18.1) while Chicago ranks 13th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.5).
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).
Chicago is 25th in the NBA with 22.0 assists per game while Houston is 27th with 21.2 assists per game.
