It will be a battle between Central Division opponents when the Chicago Bulls (21-41) welcome the Indiana Pacers (37-25) to the United Center. The game will air on NBC Sports Chicago at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, March 6, 2020.
Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls Betting Prediction
The Pacers were unable to cover as 14.5-point underdogs in their 119-100 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in their last contest. The game’s total points (219) finished just under the projected point total of 221. One of Milwaukee’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 20-22 (90.9 percent), while the Pacers were 9-11 (81.8 percent). Indiana’s Domantas Sabonis had a solid game, contributing 15 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
In the Bulls’ last game, they were beaten by the Minnesota Timberwolves, 115-108. They failed to cover as 2-point underdogs. The total points for the game (223) finished under the O/U total of 232. One of Minnesota’s largest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They made 25 trips to the line, while Chicago went just 11 times. With 26 points on 11-for-22 shooting, Coby White was the game’s high scorer.
The offense of Chicago will go head-to-head against the top-notch defense of Indiana. The Bulls rank 26th in offensive efficiency, while the Pacers are seventh in defensive efficiency. The Pacers should have the advantage on that end of the court. Moreover, the Pacers rank fifth in turnover percentage (12.4 percent), while the Bulls rank first in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.1 percent).
Indiana holds records of 37-25 straight up (SU) and 31-28-3 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Pacers games, with 32 overs compared to 30 unders.
Meanwhile, Chicago owns records of 21-41 SU and 27-34-1 ATS. Bulls games also have finished over the total 53.2 percent of the time.
The Pacers have won all three games against the Bulls this season, including a 115-106 victory the last time these teams met. Indiana covered as an 8-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 221 points, which was 6 points above the projected point total of 215 points. The Pacers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.7 vs. 15.4) and had a better free throw rate (0.180 vs. 0.118). Sabonis recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Pacers vs. Bulls ATS Pick
NBA Pick: ATS Winner – Pacers, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Indiana is 17-13-1 ATS on the road with 16 overs and 15 unders.
Chicago is 14-17-1 ATS at home with 16 overs and 16 unders.
When allowing under 100 points, Chicago is 5-3 and Indiana is 11-2.
In games where they reach the century mark, the Bulls are 21-26 and the Pacers are 37-16.
Indiana ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.7) while Chicago ranks 24th (8.2).
The Bulls rank ninth in three pointers attempted per game (35.1) while the Pacers rank last (27.7).
Indiana ranks eighth in blocks allowed per game (4.5) while Chicago ranks 27th (5.9).
The Pacers rank sixth in assists allowed per game (23.2) while the Bulls rank 25th (25.5).
Indiana ranks fifth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.7) while Chicago ranks 19th (17.6).
The Pacers average 49.0 points in the paint per game, which ranks eighth in the NBA. The Bulls rank 21st in points allowed in the paint per game (49.5).
Chicago ranks 14th in second chance points per game (13.4) while Indiana ranks 27th (11.5).
The Bulls rank fifth in fast break points allowed per game (12.4) while the Pacers rank 18th (13.5).
Indiana ranks 26th in rebounds per game (42.7) while Chicago ranks last (41.9).
Over its last five outings, Indiana is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Chicago is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Pacers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.0, up from 1.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 116.0 points per game (9.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 117.6 points per game (7.5 above their season average).